The grandfather of a two-year-old boy who died in the fire at Grenfell Tower has paid tribute to his “beautiful” grandson and told him to “sleep, take your rest”.
Jeremiah Deen was found by the side his mother Zainab Deen, 32, on the 14th floor after the June blaze.
An inquiry into the tragedy, which is in its third day, is opening with tributes to the 72 victims.
Ms Deen’s father, Zainu Deen, said his grandson loved playing football and having adventures.
“We cannot dwell on the sadness or keep asking the question ‘why this happened to our family,” he said a statement read by Michael Mansfield QC.
“Neither will we find a reason why such a handsome and cheerful boy was taken from us at the age of two.
“Instead, we will focus on how happy he made us when he was in our lives.
“Most of all, we are happy that you are with your mother Zainab, who loved, treasured and adored you. She will keep you safe now, as she protected you in life.
“Throughout your short time here on Earth you were so connected with your mother that even death cannot separate you both.”
He added: “Our hearts break. We love and miss you. Sleep, grandson, take your rest.”
In a separate tribute to the 32-year-old, Mr Deen said: “We are so proud to be able to call you our daughter.
“We are grateful for the brief time we were able to spend with you and believe that the angels are rejoicing because one of their loved ones has rejoined them. Until we meet again, beautiful soul, sleep and take your rest.”
Sheets of paper were placed on seats at the inquiry on Wednesday warning attendees when there may be “particularly upsetting” content.
It came after emotional scenes on the second day of the inquiry, when footage of the tower engulfed in flames was broadcast without prior warning. At least 25 people attending the probe walked out of the conference room crying.
Several further commemorations will include footage of the tower on fire and of its interior after the blaze.
The inquiry heard on Wednesday from the family of Anthony “Tony” Disson, a 65-year-old great grandfather who died on the 10th floor of the building.
His wife, from whom he was separated, Cordelia Disson, described him as as a “proud” and “devoted” father-of-four who would do anything for his family.
His children were “were always winding him up” by playing practical jokes on him, she said in a video played to the inquiry.
Ms Disson said their son Alfie had named his baby daughter Tony-Rae in honour of his father after his death.
The infant reminds them of Mr Disson, she said, because she bites her tongue in the same way as her grandad.
“He’s missed. Tony will always be my first love, he’ll always be my last love,” she added.
Mr Disson’s son Lee described time with his father as “magical” and said there were “constant surprises”.
He said had grown more distant from his father in later years, adding. “I never thought we wouldn’t get the chance to make it right.”
Ali Yawar Jafari, 82, who also lived on the 10th floor and died while trying to escape the flames with his wife and daughter, was remembered as a family man who loved animals.
In a prerecorded film shown to the inquiry, his wife described how he once spent three days freeing a pigeon from some string binding its legs.
“Afterwards, he said he was like a prisoner and he knew he had to free him,” she said.
Mr Jafari’s son, Hamid Jafari, said his father was happiest when his grandson was born and was very close to him. Now, when holding the baby, “I feel like I’m holding my dad,” Hamid said. “I can still smell my dad on my son”
Personal tributes from bereaved relatives and friends of Grenfell Tower victims will continue into next week.
