A 52-year-old man who claimed his family died in London’s Grenfell Tower fire is facing charges after trying to extort money and accomodation.

Nguyen Nhu Anh, originally from Vietnam, appeared in Westminster magistrates court to face two counts of fraud by false representation.

The court heard that Nguyen, from Beckenham, south-east London, falsely told Kensington and Chelsea council between June 17 and  June 29 that he was a Grenfell Tower resident to get money and accommodation.

He allegedly made the same false claim on 14 June to charities in order to acquire food, clothes, footwear and electronic equipment, the court heard.

Anh Nhu Nguyen is accused of lying about the death of his wife and son in the Grenfell fire. (Photo courtesy: Sky News)

It’s reported that Nguyen received almost £10,000 (over $A17,000) worth of handouts from the victim relief fund in just two weeks.

Although Nguyen claimed to have lost his wife and son in the blaze, The Telegraph quoted the Metropolitan Police’s spokesman confirming it was a lie.

Nguyen remains in custody and will appear next at the Southwark Crown Court on July 28.

The blaze, which tore through the 24-story building on June 14, is believed by police to have killed at least 80 people, making it the worst disaster in the UK since 1989.