More than 50 people face charges over the Grenfell Tower fire. The Met Police revealed on Wednesday it has submitted 20 files to the Crown Prosecution Service relating to 54 individuals and 20 companies.
The documents ask the CPS to consider charges including corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety offences, fraud and fraud-related offences and misconduct in public office.
Milestone in investigation
Scotland Yard announced the significant step over the 2017 fire in west London that claimed the lives of 72 people.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth said: “This is a milestone moment in the police investigation into this devastating tragedy which took the lives of 72 people.
“Our dedicated team of 220 investigators has worked incredibly hard to honour our commitment to the bereaved, survivors, residents and all those affected by the fire to meet this timescale.
“We appreciate, of course, it has taken nine years to get to this point. As we have said before, this is one of the most complex investigations ever undertaken by any UK law enforcement agency - the scale is truly enormous.
“While we know this has had a significant impact on those waiting for answers, it has necessarily taken this long to ensure our investigation is meticulous and presents the very best possible evidence to the CPS for charging decisions.”
Charging decisions and trials
The CPS has committed to making the charging decisions before the 10th anniversary of the fire in June 2027. But trials are not expected to start before 2029, 12 years after the blaze.
The families of victims have criticised the length of time being taken to bring people to justice over the scandal.
A special court is being considered to hear the cases.
