Metropolitan Police Service issues update on Grenfell investigation process

The team of investigators has been increased to 220 to support work to submit the files in the timescales committed to by the Met for the bereaved families and survivors of the tragedy that occurred in June 2017.

While in no way pre-empting the CPS’ decisions, work has also begun on next steps should charges be brought, including plans to build a replica of elements of Grenfell Tower in order to assist any potential future Juries.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth said: “The Grenfell Tower fire remains one of the most complex investigations ever undertaken by any UK law enforcement agency. Our investigation began in June 2017 and has continued relentlessly ever since.”

Southworth continued: “We have been working in close partnership with the CPS for many years and are on schedule to submit all files this autumn. The CPS will then consider them in detail to make charging decisions and are confident they can do so before the 10^th Anniversary of the fire.”

Further, Southworth noted: “While our timescales are on track, we know for the bereaved, survivors and residents, who remain at the heart of everything we do, it has been a very long wait to reach this point. We cannot begin to understand the impact upon them of such a lengthy investigation, running alongside a Public Inquiry, but they have our commitment we have worked as quickly as possible, while ensuring our investigation is meticulous to present the very best possible evidence to the CPS for charging decisions.”

Immense scale

The scale of the police investigation is immense. The roles of 15,000 individuals and 700 organisations have been examined. It’s reported that 57 individuals and 20 organisations are suspects for criminal offences. Those offences include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, misconduct in public office, fraud and Health and Safety-related matters.

Investigators have gathered 165 million electronic files to meticulously search for evidence. They’ve examined in detail the work of the Public Inquiry, including the 1,700 pages of the final report, in order to cross-reference against the police investigation and ensure they had obtained every possible piece of evidence.

A total of 14,400 statements have been taken. More than 27,000 exhibits – including cladding, insulation, doors, windows and other parts of the building, all the way down to screws, nuts and bolts – are stored in a warehouse.

So far, 15 of 20 files have been submitted to the CPS and ten of 14 overarching evidence files are complete. The word count of the Met’s summary reports to the CPS exceeds 2.2 million.

Legal test

Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS’ Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, explained: “Our thoughts remain with the bereaved families, survivors and all those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire who’ve endured a long and deeply painful wait for answers. We have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police Service over a number of years now as this substantial and complex investigation has progressed. We understand how important the next stage is for those impacted. As the files are submitted, we will consider all of the available evidence carefully, independently and in line with our legal test.”

Ferguson concluded: “We are committed to carrying out that task thoroughly, fairly and as expeditiously as possible, all the while recognising the significance of these decisions for all those affected.”

While it will be a matter for the CPS to decide if charges should be brought, the investigation team at the Metropolitan Police Service is planning now for any potential court proceedings.

Police officers have explained to the families that the Met is building a replica of some elements of Grenfell Tower, with that work currently at the planning stage. If trials take place, they will be some of the most complex ever held in the UK and the replica will bring to life how elements of the building looked before, during and after its refurbishment for Jurors in such a way that any drawing or 3D rendering could not.

Criminal trials can often involve site visits. Grenfell Tower will have been carefully taken down by the time any trials take place and so cannot provide that real-life visual reference.

Sensible to prepare

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth said: “The work on the replica in no way presumes charges will be brought, which is entirely a matter for the CPS to make independent decisions based on the evidence files we submit. It will take some time to construct and it’s sensible to be prepared.”

In conclusion, Southworth stated: “Should charges be brought, we are committed to working with criminal justice partners on the next stages to ensure the Grenfell families and survivors are supported as well as possible through what I’m sure will be a tremendously difficult and hugely emotional process.”