As the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy approaches, detectives have provided an update on the progress of the extensive criminal investigation into the fire that occurred on June 14, 2017. The Metropolitan Police Service has remained steadfast in its commitment to uncovering any criminal offences and identifying those responsible. A dedicated team of 180 officers and staff continue to work tirelessly on this complex case.
Investigation Milestones
Since the tragic event, detectives have made significant strides in their investigation:
- Identified Suspects: 19 companies or organizations and 58 individuals are currently under investigation as suspects.
- Early Investigative Advice: Eight of 20 advice files have been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for review.
- Suspect Interviews: Over 50 suspects have been interviewed under caution, totaling more than 300 hours.
- Forensic Examination: Investigators spent over a year forensically examining Grenfell Tower, meticulously removing its exterior piece by piece.
- Evidence Collection: More than 27,000 exhibits, including cladding, insulation, doors, windows, and other building parts, have been gathered and stored in a 635m² warehouse.
- Lines of Enquiry: Detectives have pursued over 27,000 separate lines of enquiry.
- Witness Statements: More than 12,000 witness statements have been taken.
- Document Retrieval: Over 152 million documents and files have been retrieved and reviewed.
- Public Inquiry Evidence: 1,600 witness statements, 300 days of evidence, and over 320,000 documents from the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry have been evaluated.
Upcoming Public Inquiry Report
Later this year, the public inquiry is expected to publish its Phase 2 report. This report will be crucial not only for those directly affected by the fire but also for the ongoing police investigation. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy emphasized the importance of this report in shaping the next steps of the investigation.
Our work is independent of the public inquiry, but we must fully consider the report’s findings in the context of our ongoing and highly complex criminal investigation,” Cundy stated. “It will take at least 12-18 months to fully assess the inquiry’s report and complete evidential files to present to the CPS for charging decisions.”
Expected Timeline
The investigation team anticipates it will take until the end of 2025 to thoroughly assess the Phase 2 report and finalize the evidential files. These files will then be submitted to the CPS for charging decisions. Cundy acknowledged the impact of the lengthy investigation on the bereaved and survivors, assuring them of the team’s commitment to a thorough and diligent investigation.
“Based on where we are today, we believe it will take us at least until the end of 2025 to fully assess the public inquiry’s Phase 2 report and finalize evidential files for the CPS,” Cundy said. “We understand how long this sounds, especially given the already long wait for those most deeply affected.”
Coordination with the CPS
The Metropolitan Police have been working closely with the CPS from the beginning of the investigation, submitting ‘early investigative advice’ files to facilitate the review process. To date, eight of 20 advice files have been submitted, with each file examining a range of offences, including corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, and health and safety offences.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, highlighted the collaborative effort between the police and the CPS. The police anticipate sending complete files of evidence to us by 2026,” Ainslie said. There is still a lot of work to be done in reaching any charging decisions. Our team of specialist prosecutors will need time to review the final files carefully and thoroughly.”
As the investigation continues, the commitment to uncovering the truth and securing justice for those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy remains unwavering. The next few years will be critical in determining the outcome of one of the largest and most complex investigations ever undertaken by the Metropolitan Police.
