The Metropolitan Police Service has confirmed that its investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire remains on track to submit all evidence files to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) by the end of September for charging decisions.

The investigation, which continues nearly a decade after the tragedy in June 2017, has expanded to 220 officers and staff in order to meet commitments made to bereaved families and survivors.

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 10th 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 inquiry remains significant, with investigators examining the roles of around 15,000 individuals and 700 organisations. It is reported that 57 individuals and 20 organisations are currently considered suspects in relation to potential offences including corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, misconduct in public office, fraud and breaches of Health and Safety legislation.

Police have reviewed more than 165 million electronic files, taken 14,400 witness statements and collected over 27,000 exhibits linked to the building and its refurbishment, including cladding, insulation, doors, windows and structural components.

So far, 15 of 20 files have been submitted to the CPS, alongside ten of the 14 overarching evidence files. The Metropolitan Police’s summary reports to the CPS now total more than 2.2 million words.

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 charging decisions remain a matter for the CPS, the Metropolitan Police has also begun preparing for the possibility of future criminal proceedings. This includes early plans to build a replica of key sections of Grenfell Tower to help juries understand how parts of the building appeared before, during and after refurbishment works.

Any future trials are expected to be among the most complex criminal proceedings ever undertaken in the UK. As Grenfell Tower is expected to have been dismantled before trials could begin, the proposed replica may provide an important evidential reference point for juries.

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.”

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