Scotland Yard has interviewed 56 people under caution in connection with the Grenfell Tower fire since 2017, Construction news can reveal
Data recently obtained by CN according to the Freedom of Information Act suggests that 16 people have been interviewed since June this summer. Some people have been interviewed several times.
The Metropolitan Police’s investigation into the blaze that killed 72 people in west London is considering possible corporate manslaughter, grossly negligent homicide, fraud and health and safety offences.
“Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the tragic events at Grenfell Tower and our criminal investigation continues,” a police spokesman said. CN.
“As of September 2023, a total of 56 people had been interviewed under caution. These were carried out as part of our ongoing inquiries and [do] it doesn’t necessarily mean there will be criminal charges.”
During the last six years approximately 11,400 statements have been taken.
The response to the Freedom of Information request also revealed that the cost of policing activities related to Grenfell amounted to £88.5 million as of March 31 this year. This sum includes not only the cost of the police investigation but also the recovery and identification of the victims immediately after the fire, as well as support for the public investigation.
A total of £60.5 million came from the Metropolitan Police Service budget and the remaining £28 million was funded by the Home Office.
There are currently 145 police involved in the investigation and 39 police officers.
The police inquiry is not part of the Grenfell inquiry, the second phase of which ended in November 2022. The criminal inquiry is likely to depend heavily on the inquiry’s report, which has yet to be published.
“Once we have fully considered the findings of the Phase 2 report, we will present our evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for them to consider charging decisions,” Metropolitan Police Service Assistant Deputy Commissioner Stuart Cundy said , in June 2022.
