Scotland Yard has interviewed 56 people under caution in connection with the Grenfell tower fire since 2017, Construction News can reveal.
Data newly obtained under the Freedom of Information Act suggests that 16 people have been interviewed since June this summer. Some people have been interviewed multiple times.
The Metropolitan Police investigation into the blaze that killed 72 people in west London is considering potential corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, fraud and health and safety offences.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the tragic events at Grenfell Tower and our criminal investigation continues,” a police spokesperson told CN.
“As of September 2023, a total of 56 people had been interviewed under caution. These were carried out as part of our ongoing enquiries and [do] not necessarily mean criminal charges will follow.”
Approximately 11,400 statements have been taken over the past six years.
The response to the freedom of information request also revealed that the cost of police activities related to Grenfell totalled £88.5m as of 31 March this year. This not only includes the cost of the police investigation but also the recovery and identification of victims in the immediate aftermath of the fire, as well as support given to the public inquiry.
A total of £60.5m came from the Metropolitan Police Service budget and the remaining £28m was funded by the Home Office.
There are currently 145 police officers involved in the investigation and 39 police staff.
The police investigation is not part of the Grenfell Inquiry, the second phase of which ended in November 2022. The criminal investigation is likely to depend heavily on the inquiry report, which has yet to be released.
“Once we have fully examined the findings of the Phase 2 report, we will present our evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service so they can consider charging decisions,” said Metropolitan Police Service deputy assistant commissioner Stuart Cundy in June 2022.
