YOU could hear a pin drop as residents marched through the streets of Southampton in silence, holding placards with the faces of those lost in the Grenfell tragedy.

It has almost been a year since a devastating fire tore through the 24-storey residential tower block in North Kensington, London, that took the lives of at least 72 people.

Keynote speakers joined campaigners in walking from the Bargate to Guildhall Square in what organiser and student activist Shokraneh Oftadeh Moghadam described as “a show of solidarity” with those affected by the events of June 14, 2017.

After the walk, there was a 72-second silence and speeches were given by Miss Moghadam, and Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, cllr Satvir Kaur.

Miss Moghadam, who lives in Shirley, was so affected by the incident last year she began volunteering in London, helping children in the area.

The 25-year-old said: “When I walked past the tower, even though I don’t live there, I still get shivers down my spine.

"I was worried that people wouldn't understand a silent march, but I thought it was important that it be silent. but people were positive and there was a lot of love."

Cllr Kaur said: "It's really great to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to show our community cares about those affected by the tragedy."

The march coincided with a parliamentary debate on the public inquiry into the fire, after a petition urging those affected should have their say within the inquiry attracted more than 150,000 signatures.

In April, it was revealed that fire tests carried out in 2014 showed that cladding used in the flats had failed to meet safety standards.

In June last year, an inquiry into the incident was launched with Theresa May at the time stating “no stone will be left unturned” as answers were sought.

However, to date no one has been prosecuted in relation to the failings that led to the fire.

Southampton campaigners will be organising a coach to London, to take part in the marches that will mark a year since the fire on June 14.