The Metropolitan Police has asked for manslaughter charges to be considered over the Grenfell Tower fire, passing evidence files relating to 20 companies and 54 individuals to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for charging decisions.
Evidence handed to prosecutors
The deadly fire in June 2017 in North Kensington, west London, killed 72 people and was found by a public inquiry to have been avoidable. The Met said it has passed on 20 files relating to 20 companies and organisations as well as 54 individuals to the CPS.
The force has asked the CPS to consider potential offences of corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety offences, fraud and fraud-related offences, and misconduct in public office.
Charging decisions before 10th anniversary
The Crown Prosecution Service has vowed to make charging decisions in the case before the 10th anniversary of the disaster, which falls on June 14 2027.
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."
Complex investigation
Southworth added: "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."
