ILLEGAL immigrants who escaped the Grenfell Tower inferno have been offered amnesty if they help the public inquiry.

Foreign nationals who fear being deported if they identify themselves have been told they can stay for up to a year if they come forward by the end of August.

Immigration minister Brandon Lewis said they would get full support from the welfare system.

He said it was vital to allow them to “deal with the extremely difficult cir­cumstances”.

The move — as rescuers continue attempts to identify dozens of bodies — is also designed to encourage people to come forward with information about who was living in the tower block.

Mr Lewis said: “Everyone affected by this tragedy needs reassurance that the Government is there for them at this terrible time.

“We will continue to provide the support they need to help them through the difficult days, weeks and months to come.”

The Government also said it will relax benefit rules for residents made homeless by the blaze in West London. The move is also designed to encourage people to come forward with information about who was living in the tower block

It came amid fears they could be hit by the “bedroom tax” or a benefits cap if they are moved to a larger or more expensive property.

Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said the amnesty measures did not go far enough.

She said: “To access all the support they need without fear of deportation, any survivors concerned about their status must be given indefinite leave to remain.

“Otherwise, they may just disappear off the grid.”