UK PM May appoints former judge to chair inquiry into London tower fire

London: Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May has appointed a retired judge to chair a public inquiry into the devastating west London fire that killed at least 80 people.

May named Martin Moore-Bick, a retired court of appeal judge, to head the investigation into the Grenfell Tower blaze. May said Thursday she wants an interim report "as early as possible," to address remedial action.

Fire safety experts have expressed shock at how quickly the 24-story public housing tower block became engulfed in flames. While attention has focused on cladding from a recent renovation project, authorities want answers fast because thousands of other buildings are affected.

May says: "I am determined that there will be justice for all the victims of this terrible tragedy and for their families who have suffered so terribly."