Grenfell Tower survivors, and the families of those who lost their lives, have attended a memorial service on the eighth anniversary of the 2017 tragedy.

A total of 72 people, including 18 children, died in the fire, which is still being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

In a few months’ time, work will begin to take down the 23-storey block.

About 200 people gathered at All Saints Church in Notting Hill, west London, for the Humanity For Grenfell annual service.

Hemen Yemane’s aunt, Berkti Haftom, died in the fire with her 12-year-old son Biruk.

“The service helps me to reflect on Berkti and Biruk’s lives and how much life they had left to give,” Ms Yemane said. “I just get to reflect on the brilliant people that they were.”

“She was so full of light, she loved Biruk so much, he was her love. She lived and she breathed for him, she gave everything for him.”

Her cousin Biruk was “so, so kind, so, so gentle”, she added.

“He loved going to the park with his friends, he was so caring, he used to help me with my homework. He was such a nice soul.”

Ms Yemane said the wait for justice was unfair.

“It’s been eight years since this tragedy’s happened… and there’s still no people that have been held accountable.”

Damel Carayol from Humanity for Grenfell lost a niece and cousin in the fire.

His concern is that the tower will be coming down “before there are any arrests or charges and justice hasn’t taken its course”.

The Met has previously said no charges would be announced until the end of 2026.

“The tower is a monument, it’s a reminder, something we look up to and there are still people’s remains in there,” Mr Carayol said.

“It’s a really sacred, meaningful place, so today, standing here, and being told this is the last time [the tower will be there for the anniversary], it’s a kick in the guts.”

Ahead of the service, flowers were laid at the foot of the tower by officials including minister for building safety, Alex Norris MP, Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan and London Fire Brigade (LFB) Commissioner Andy Roe.

Former LFB firefighter Stephen Aslin, 58, also began a 30,000-mile cycling challenge and was cheered on by well-wishers and family.

Before setting off, he led a 72-second silence to remember the victims of the fire.

His solo bike ride around the world will help raise money for projects helping young people affected by the tragedy.

During the service, a candle was lit in honour of each victim and prayers were led by Rev Paul Wood.

“We pray for all of those who seek to serve the community, for all those who seek justice,” he said.

“We pray for all those across the world who are in pain, for those who are suffering in the Holy Land, in Ukraine and all places of war and those caught in the Air India disaster this week.”

After the service, 18 doves and 56 balloons were released, each representing a life lost in the tower.

Mr Roe said Grenfell should never be forgotten.

In a statement, the commissioner said: “As we mark the eighth anniversary of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire, our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the 72 people who lost their lives, as well as the survivors, their families and the wider community.

“Over the years, the strength and dignity shown by the Grenfell community has been, and continues to be, humbling and inspiring.”

Sir Sadiq said: “Today we pause to remember the 72 people who lost their lives, and all those whose lives were changed forever by the horrific Grenfell Tower fire.

“Eight years on and the road to justice and change has been far too long.

“The publication of the final Grenfell Inquiry report last year was an important step towards correcting the catastrophic failures exposed by the tragedy, and all those responsible have more to do to ensure all lessons are learned.

“Every Londoner deserves to live in a safe home, something that Grenfell Tower residents were cruelly deprived of.”

Saturday’s events culminated in a silent walk at Notting Hill Methodist Church at 18:00 BST.