Police investigating the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire have handed over files of evidence relating to 20 companies and 54 individuals to prosecutors. The Metropolitan Police described this as a “milestone” moment, paving the way for charging decisions.
Potential offences include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety offences, fraud, and misconduct in public office. A leading prosecutor has reportedly been appointed to head any possible court cases.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has stated that charging decisions will be made before the 10th anniversary of the disaster, which is 14 June 2027.
The fire on 14 June 2017 resulted in the deaths of 72 people. A public inquiry in 2024 found the fire to have been avoidable, attributing it to “decades of failure” by central government and “systematic dishonesty” by companies whose products spread the fire.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth of the Met acknowledged the nine-year duration of the investigation, stating its complexity and scale required this time to ensure meticulous evidence for the CPS.