Labour MP Diane Abbott has hit out at lawyers, accusing them of intimidating survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire.

In an email sent to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the Law Society and the Bar Council, the shadow home secretary said survivors are being pursued by lawyers racing to act for them in potential legal claims.

In the email, seen by the Press Association, Abbott said: "Ambulance chasing is disgraceful and should not be tolerated in any circumstance."

News of her email follows reports in The Times that Leigh Day suspended two paralegals earlier this month after they put up posters offering legal support in the area around Grenfell Tower in Kensington, where 80 people are presumed to have died in last month's fire. The paralegals have since resigned.

Making reference to the Leigh Day suspensions, Abbott reportedly wrote in her email: "We are aware that two paralegals have been suspended following such allegations and I had initially believed that this was the end of the matter.

"However, complaints have persisted and I offered to send this letter in an attempt to ensure that those affected by this have support and a voice where their concerns are raised at the highest level."

President of the Law Society Joe Egan said: "There are strict rules governing how all legal professionals work. Under no circumstances would a legitimate solicitor make unsolicited approaches in person or by telephone. If anyone has concerns about the behaviour of a solicitor, they should immediately report them to the regulator."

The Law Society has said that it is currently working with Diane Abbott's office to provide legal advice to victims, including offering advice on appointing legal counsel.

A Bar Council spokesperson said: "So far as we are aware, no barrister has behaved in the way described."

Advice to victims and their families is to consult North Kensington Law Centre for advice.

Picture credit: PaulNUK