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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Anthony France

Over 40 people interviewed under caution as part of Grenfell fire probe, Met Police says

Detectives investigating the Grenfell Tower disaster have interviewed more than 40 people under caution, many on multiple occasions.

Officers are probing offences including corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, fraud and health and safety offences.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said for the 180 dedicated investigators, working with international experts, it remains “one of the largest and most complex” cases ever undertaken by the force.

Having spent a year forensically examining the tower, over 11,000 witness statements were taken.

Around 130 million documents have been recovered from companies and organisations linked to the tower, including its management and refurbishment.

The Yard said: “If the police investigation concludes there is sufficient evidence to consider criminal charges in relation to the fire, a file will be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for a decision.

“We have had regular engagement with the CPS since the beginning of the investigation and continue to do so.

“We can only imagine the impact on families of a long and complex investigation and public inquiry and we do understand their frustrations. We have always explained to families and survivors this is large and complex criminal investigation and the anticipated timeline for the police.

“We are in an unusual situation where our police investigation and the public inquiry are being conducted at the same time.”

London mayor Sadiq Khan added: “On this sixth anniversary we pause to remember the 72 lives tragically cut short and pay tribute to the bereaved, survivors and community of North Kensington, standing in full solidarity with all those impacted.

“We owe it to them to do everything we can to secure justice and ensure the failings that led to this disaster can never be repeated.

“Justice delayed is justice denied and, six years on we should be operating in a different world – one in which fire safety is prioritised and embedded, rules and regulations are ambitious and rigorous, guidance is clear and comprehensive, and the industry is responsible and highly-skilled.”

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