This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/jun/16/grenfell-tower-fire-london-police-criminal-investigation-into-tragedy-latest-updates

The article has changed 36 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Grenfell Tower fire: Scotland Yard opens criminal investigation into tragedy – latest updates Grenfell Tower fire: Scotland Yard opens criminal investigation into tragedy – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
9.27am BST
09:27
More than 70 people are believed to be unaccounted for since the blaze, according to the Press Associaiton.
Six bodies have been recovered from the gutted 24-storey tower, while 11 have been located inside, but cannot yet be removed.
Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Cundy responded to speculation that the number of dead could exceed 100, saying: “For those of us that have been down there, it’s pretty emotional, so I hope it is not triple figures, but I can’t be drawn on the numbers.”
More appeals were put up overnight on Thursday as relatives became increasingly distraught about their loved ones.
9.17am BST
09:17
Geoff Wilkinson, managing director of Wilkinson Construction Consultants, has a list of 20 key questions that the Grenfell fire investigation needs to ask.
3: where the fire service consulted 4: can we see a copy of the consultation response 5: how many site inspections were made
8: did the contractor rely only on the minimum statutory inspections or did they employ their own clerk of works to inspect
10: was the fire risk assessment updated as a result of the works11: can we see a copy of the fire risk assessment
12: what recommendations did the fire risk assessor make13: were those recommendations acted upon
14: was any further work (e.g. Gas main) carried out after the building control sign off15: if so did that work require approval
16: when was the last fire risk assessment carried out 17: when were fire doors last checked18: when were emergency lights last tested
19: when were smoke control systems last tested20: can a sample of the cladding be taken off and tested urgently and publicly
Updated
at 9.27am BST
9.07am BST
09:07
Gavin Barwell, who was housing minister before losing his seat in last week’s general election and is now the prime minister’s chief of staff, has ducked questions about his failure to act on warnings about fire safety in the wake of the Lakanal House fire in 2009.
Barwell told the Commons last October that part B of the building regulations, which cover fire safety, would be reviewed as part of a process following a coroner’s 2013 report into the fire.
Barwell said: “We have not set out any formal plans to review the building regulations as a whole, but we have publicly committed ourselves to reviewing part B following the Lakanal House fire.” However, since then his department has not published any review.
He refused to answer questions on Sky News as he walked down Whitehall on his way to work in Downing Street on Friday morning.
#GrenfellTower: We ask Gavin Barwell, former housing minister and Theresa May's new chief of staff, about the #LondonFire pic.twitter.com/suOtfz6llt
Updated
at 9.26am BST
8.58am BST
08:58
Javid was asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme whether he and his four children could sleep easy in a building like Grenfell Tower in the wake of the fire.
“Any human being would be worried … about their families,” he acknowledged.
“There will be emergency inspections of all similar buildings across the country. The work has started now,” Javid added repeating a point he made to BBC News (see earlier).
But Javid also appeared to concede that the government had failed to act on previous fire warnings.
“If enough had been done, this shouldn’t have happened, and that’s why we need to find out what exactly has happened here,” he said.
Asked about the coroners’ recommendations after six people died at Lakanal House in 2009, Javid said:
This is why we need a public investigation. My predecessor responded to that report publicly about how they [the recommendations] would be actioned. The coroner did not recommend new planning regulations. The coroner recommended a change in the guidance. There is a lot of information out there and it is right that it is independently looked at by a judge-led inquiry.”
Updated
at 9.06am BST
8.48am BST8.48am BST
08:4808:48
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
There’s an eerie quiet around Grenfell Tower this morning. There’s little sign of the police and firefighter presence that filled the streets just two days ago as emergency services fought to control the flames and cope with hundreds of displaced residents.There’s an eerie quiet around Grenfell Tower this morning. There’s little sign of the police and firefighter presence that filled the streets just two days ago as emergency services fought to control the flames and cope with hundreds of displaced residents.
The blackened wreck of the tower looms behind Latymer Communitychurch, which was used as a relief centre in the aftermath of thefire. The blackened wreck of the tower looms behind Latymer Community church, which was used as a relief centre in the aftermath of thefire.
The church is plastered with “missing” posters appealing for information for family and friends not seen since the fire took hold (see earlier).The church is plastered with “missing” posters appealing for information for family and friends not seen since the fire took hold (see earlier).
Children, adults, whole families feature in the heartbreaking array of appeals. One side of the church has become a makeshift tribute wall where people have written hundreds possibly thousands of messages to the missing, the deceased and their relatives expressing love and sympathy. Children, adults, whole families feature in the heartbreaking array of appeals. One side of the church has become a makeshift tribute wall where people have written hundreds, possibly thousands, of messages to the missing, the deceased and their relatives expressing love and sympathy.
Flowers have been laid outside nearby Notting Hill Methodist church, where many “missing” posters can also be found.Flowers have been laid outside nearby Notting Hill Methodist church, where many “missing” posters can also be found.
Here's a wall of tributes on the side of the Latymer community church in the tower's shadow. Missing appeal posters have been put up. pic.twitter.com/FzYlGfgk4XHere's a wall of tributes on the side of the Latymer community church in the tower's shadow. Missing appeal posters have been put up. pic.twitter.com/FzYlGfgk4X
Updated
at 9.08am BST
8.33am BST8.33am BST
08:3308:33
Harriet Harman, Labour MP who represents Lakanal house in South London where six people were killed in 2009, has urged the prime minister to invite residents to Downing Street after failing to meet them during Thursday’s low key visit. Harriet Harman, the Labour MP whose constituency includes Lakanal House in south London where six people were killed in 2009, has urged the prime minister to invite residents to Downing Street after failing to meet them during Thursday’s low-key visit.
Ok, @theresa_may wrong not to meet #Grenfell tower residents. But she could do now & invite to Downing st to hear (We did re Lakanal)Ok, @theresa_may wrong not to meet #Grenfell tower residents. But she could do now & invite to Downing st to hear (We did re Lakanal)
Updated
at 9.08am BST
8.29am BST8.29am BST
08:2908:29
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Dozens of appeals for missing people have made on the side of the Latymer community church in the tower’s shadow. Here’s a selection: Dozens of appeals for missing people have been made on the side of the Latymer community church in the tower’s shadow. Here’s a selection:
Missing person #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/6811Qi8ItmMissing person #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/6811Qi8Itm
Missing: Ali Jafari #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/ouK8R9MIZdMissing: Ali Jafari #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/ouK8R9MIZd
Missing: Fathiya Alsanonse #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/BRVD8e2dZJMissing: Fathiya Alsanonse #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/BRVD8e2dZJ
Missing: Ray aka Moses #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/eAsXmolPmXMissing: Ray aka Moses #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/eAsXmolPmX
Missing: the Choucair family #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/2KAahu1AVYMissing: the Choucair family #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/2KAahu1AVY
Missing: Hesham Rahman #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/82uChixqNLMissing: Hesham Rahman #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/82uChixqNL
Missing: Jessica Urbano #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/jaiBwB0NxmMissing: Jessica Urbano #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/jaiBwB0Nxm
Missing: Omar Belkadi and wife Farah Ramdan #grenfell pic.twitter.com/YWdEB12iD9Missing: Omar Belkadi and wife Farah Ramdan #grenfell pic.twitter.com/YWdEB12iD9
Missing: Mariem Elgwahry #grenfell pic.twitter.com/XKRASTCDQ1Missing: Mariem Elgwahry #grenfell pic.twitter.com/XKRASTCDQ1
Missing: Nurhuda El-Wahabi and Yasmin El-Wahabi pic.twitter.com/56zBrprXonMissing: Nurhuda El-Wahabi and Yasmin El-Wahabi pic.twitter.com/56zBrprXon
Missing: siblings Firdaws and Yahya #grenfell pic.twitter.com/sl2lt6T2jVMissing: siblings Firdaws and Yahya #grenfell pic.twitter.com/sl2lt6T2jV
Missing person #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/WS1J6kBcbPMissing person #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/WS1J6kBcbP
Missing persons #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/a2yxewIxzhMissing persons #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/a2yxewIxzh
Missing: Stefan Anthony Mills #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/BXwqseurnWMissing: Stefan Anthony Mills #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/BXwqseurnW
Missing person #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/Uw1RjslOlKMissing person #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/Uw1RjslOlK
Missing: Marjorie Vital #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/GXqPhWmaUYMissing: Marjorie Vital #Grenfell pic.twitter.com/GXqPhWmaUY
Updated
at 9.09am BST
8.21am BST8.21am BST
08:2108:21
The Sun has listed 65 people who it said were still missing or feared dead in the Grenfell Tower fire, which police said has killed 17 people with the death toll expected to rise.The Sun has listed 65 people who it said were still missing or feared dead in the Grenfell Tower fire, which police said has killed 17 people with the death toll expected to rise.
The Sun: At least 65 people missing or feared dead in London fire https://t.co/eobu8xdwni #LondonFire #London pic.twitter.com/hLQfuRawOLThe Sun: At least 65 people missing or feared dead in London fire https://t.co/eobu8xdwni #LondonFire #London pic.twitter.com/hLQfuRawOL
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.23am BSTat 8.23am BST
8.16am BST8.16am BST
08:1608:16
Campaigners are planning to protest outside Javid’s Communities department on Marsham Street in central London at 6pm tonight.Campaigners are planning to protest outside Javid’s Communities department on Marsham Street in central London at 6pm tonight.
They will be demanding “Justice for Grenfell”.They will be demanding “Justice for Grenfell”.
8.08am BST8.08am BST
08:0808:08
Sajid Javid pledges to meet survivorsSajid Javid pledges to meet survivors
Communities secretary Sajid Javid has pledged to meet survivors of the tragedy when he visits the scene today after the prime minister was criticised for avoiding residents during her trip on Thursday.Communities secretary Sajid Javid has pledged to meet survivors of the tragedy when he visits the scene today after the prime minister was criticised for avoiding residents during her trip on Thursday.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast Javid defended the prime minister’s controversial low key visit. He said: “The prime minister went yesterday. I think it was absolutely right to do so – to go as quickly as she could, but to learn about the operation and to discover if there is anything more that the government could be doing to help.”Speaking to BBC Breakfast Javid defended the prime minister’s controversial low key visit. He said: “The prime minister went yesterday. I think it was absolutely right to do so – to go as quickly as she could, but to learn about the operation and to discover if there is anything more that the government could be doing to help.”
But he acknowledged the need for ministers to visit those caught up in the fire. He said: “I will be going along today and I will be visiting one of the centres, because one of the areas that my department is involved in is trying to make sure the council is helped in anyway it can. I want to make sure that everyone that needs to be rehoused, first of all has the right quality local temporary accommodation, but I also want to make sure that they have permanent accommodation somewhere local.”But he acknowledged the need for ministers to visit those caught up in the fire. He said: “I will be going along today and I will be visiting one of the centres, because one of the areas that my department is involved in is trying to make sure the council is helped in anyway it can. I want to make sure that everyone that needs to be rehoused, first of all has the right quality local temporary accommodation, but I also want to make sure that they have permanent accommodation somewhere local.”
He added: “I want to make sure that we are doing everything we possibly can to help.”He added: “I want to make sure that we are doing everything we possibly can to help.”
Asked about the number of people missing in the fire, Javid said: “They [the police] are preparing the country for further fatalities, but I don’t have any more information at this point.”Asked about the number of people missing in the fire, Javid said: “They [the police] are preparing the country for further fatalities, but I don’t have any more information at this point.”
Javid confirmed that the government has launched an emergency fire review of high rise blocks to reassure residents living in similar accommodation. It will identify which blocks have been reclad in material similar to that used at Grenfell Tower. He said:Javid confirmed that the government has launched an emergency fire review of high rise blocks to reassure residents living in similar accommodation. It will identify which blocks have been reclad in material similar to that used at Grenfell Tower. He said:
We have to be led by the experts in this. This will be done in a matter of days. Those people need to be given reassurance within days. There are about 4,000 high-rise buildings in the country, but not all of them have been recladded. Let’s not make the assumption it is all about cladding. As soon as we have more information, which we expect later today, or certainly over the weekend, then that is what should be used to do these emergency inspections. We will do whatever it takes to make those buildings safe or make those people safe.We have to be led by the experts in this. This will be done in a matter of days. Those people need to be given reassurance within days. There are about 4,000 high-rise buildings in the country, but not all of them have been recladded. Let’s not make the assumption it is all about cladding. As soon as we have more information, which we expect later today, or certainly over the weekend, then that is what should be used to do these emergency inspections. We will do whatever it takes to make those buildings safe or make those people safe.
But Javid dodged questions about where residents in tower blocks with similar cladding would be evacuated. “We have to be led by the evidence,” he said.But Javid dodged questions about where residents in tower blocks with similar cladding would be evacuated. “We have to be led by the evidence,” he said.
He also gave vague answers about whether the government would retrofit sprinkler systems to tower blocks. “I don’t think we can immediately jump to the conclusion that sprinklers is the issue here,” he said adding “we will do whatever it takes”.He also gave vague answers about whether the government would retrofit sprinkler systems to tower blocks. “I don’t think we can immediately jump to the conclusion that sprinklers is the issue here,” he said adding “we will do whatever it takes”.
“Right now in the short term, no one wants to wait months or years for a public inquiry to end, we need the fire inspection report, and we need it quick so it can be acted on.“Right now in the short term, no one wants to wait months or years for a public inquiry to end, we need the fire inspection report, and we need it quick so it can be acted on.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.28am BSTat 8.28am BST
7.27am BST7.27am BST
07:2707:27
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
Police have warned they may never be able to identify all of the people who died in the fire as a growing list of those missing indicates that the official death toll misrepresents the scale of the tragedy.Police have warned they may never be able to identify all of the people who died in the fire as a growing list of those missing indicates that the official death toll misrepresents the scale of the tragedy.
The names of dozens of people missing in the fire have been circulating online amid mounting anger about the time it is taking to confirm the identities of those killed.The names of dozens of people missing in the fire have been circulating online amid mounting anger about the time it is taking to confirm the identities of those killed.
So far the official death toll stands at 17, a figure that police acknowledge is likely to rise significantly.So far the official death toll stands at 17, a figure that police acknowledge is likely to rise significantly.
The pop star Lily Allen, who lives and grew up in the area, accused officials of trying to “micromanage people’s grieving” after hearing unconfirmed reports that the eventual death toll could be as high as 150.The pop star Lily Allen, who lives and grew up in the area, accused officials of trying to “micromanage people’s grieving” after hearing unconfirmed reports that the eventual death toll could be as high as 150.
Speaking to Channel 4 News she said: “I have never in my entire life seen an event like this were the death count has been downplayed by the mainstream media.”Speaking to Channel 4 News she said: “I have never in my entire life seen an event like this were the death count has been downplayed by the mainstream media.”
Lily Allen: 'The government is trying to micromanage grief' https://t.co/XRUbEEJ8Yy via @jonsnowC4Lily Allen: 'The government is trying to micromanage grief' https://t.co/XRUbEEJ8Yy via @jonsnowC4
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.30am BSTat 8.30am BST
7.11am BST
07:11
Dawn Foster has written about how providing scrutiny of local and national decisions on housing is one way to help the victims of the fire.
Of paramount importance is keeping up the pressure on the local council to ensure and promise that those who have lost everything in the blaze are housed permanently, and equally importantly, locally.
Read more here:
7.07am BST
07:07
The Guardian’s cartoonist Steve Bell has this take on the fire:
Updated
at 7.09am BST
6.55am BST
06:55
Residents 'did not want sprinklers' – council leader
Sprinklers were not fitted during the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower because residents did not want the prolonged disruption it would have caused, the leader of the council responsible for the block has claimed.
Nick Paget-Brown, the Tory leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said there was not a “collective view” among residents in favour of sprinklers.
Experts have suggested that sprinklers could have been fitted in the 24-storey building for £200,000 during the £10m refurbishment.
Asked if installing sprinklers was considered as part of the refurbishment, Paget-Brown said the advice was that the best way to combat the spread of a fire was to contain it.
He told BBC2’s Newsnight: “I didn’t consider retrofitting sprinklers because we were told that what you try to do when you are refurbishing is to contain a fire within a particular flat so that the fire service can evacuate that flat, deal with the fire.
“There was not a collective view that all the flats should be fitted with sprinklers because that would have delayed and made the refurbishment of the block more disruptive.
“We are now talking retrospectively after the most enormous tragedy, but many residents felt that we needed to get on with the installation of new hot water systems, new boilers and that trying to retrofit more would delay the building and that sprinklers aren’t the answer.”
But he said: “Of course I regret anything that we might have done differently that would have avoided this tragedy.”
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association has put the cost of installing a sprinkler system at £200,000.
Paget-Brown was unable to say how many tower blocks in his borough lacked sprinkler systems.
Amid speculation that the cladding fitted to Grenfell Tower could have been a factor in the fatal blaze, Paget-Brown said no other refurbishments in the borough would use the system.
“As far as I know there are no other towers with that cladding,” he said. Asked if the borough would use similar components on towers in the future, he said: “No.”
He added: “We have asked the London fire brigade to look at all our towers and give us a report on whether fire safety in all of the towers – because we are very conscious residents are worried about this – whether they can give us the assurance that we need that all of those towers are safe and that they comply with fire standards, fire regulations.”
Updated
at 8.36am BST
6.48am BST
06:48
Justice for Grenfell rally
The Press Association reports that people are planning a rally in Westminster on Friday to call for justice for those caught up in the Grenfell Tower fire.
A Facebook event, Justice for Grenfell!, has been listed as taking place at 6pm on Friday outside the Department for Communities and Local Government in Marsham Street, with more than 1,000 people said to be attending.
The posting said: “At least 12 people have died in the fire at Grenfell Tower. They deserve justice. We demand answers .
“Solidarity with the residents of Grenfell Tower.”
6.37am BST
06:37
Lynsey Hanley writes for the Guardian that our housing cannot continue to be subject to the market’s desires, needs or fluctuations.
If some housing is regarded as being more valuable, more desirable, corners will always be cut in the places where there is less financial return. The same goes for people: the most disadvantaged always suffer most from the mistakes of the powerful.
You can read more here:
6.35am BST
06:35
As well as Michael Portillo, Harriet Harman has also criticised Theresa May for staying away from locals and victims of the fire when she visited the scene yesterday.
Labour’s former deputy leader said it was “not OK” for the prime minister to go to the area but not meet residents.
In a message on Twitter, Ms Harman said: “Theresa May should have met Grenfell Fire residents. She should have been prepared to listen to them Not OK to speak at them via TV.”
6.30am BST
06:30
6.08am BST
06:08
The BBC has an interview with former cabinet minister Michael Portillo who has criticised Theresa May for failing to meet with victims and survivors of the fire. Portillo said the prime minister “didn’t use her humanity”.
He told BBC’s This Week: “She met in private with the emergency services, a good thing to do no doubt, but she should have been there with the residents, which is what Jeremy Corbyn was.
“She wanted an entirely controlled situation in which she didn’t use her humanity. “The Prime Minister would have been shouted at by the residents, but she should have been willing to take that.”
Updated
at 6.09am BST
6.06am BST
06:06
What the papers say
For the second day the British newspapers have little else on their fronts other than the terrible events at Grenfell Tower.
The Sun goes with “Now the Anger” and says some people had had turned on London mayor Sadiq Khan and TV presenter Jon Snow at the scene.
Friday's SUN: "Now The Anger" #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/cHRGUQOQZ4
The Mirror has the one word in its headline: “Criminal” and says the tragedy is one that “shames our nation”.
Friday's Daily MIRROR: "CRIMINAL" #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/XIzM7D7Ua7
The Mail decides to float the question: “We’re green targets to blame for fire tragedy?” and asks whether “dubious” insulation was put on the tower just to meet environmental standards.
Friday's Daily MAIL: "Three Lethal Questions" #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/trg4XBb8bV
The Guardian has the news that police fear some of the victims of the fire may never be formally identified and that the retrieval of their bodies could take months such is the destruction in the building.
Friday's GUARDIAN: "Police: some victims of tower blaze may never be identified" #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/NhibqHdF4J
The Times has a now much discussed detail that the US had banned the type of cladding that was allegedly used o the 24-storey tower block.
Friday's TIMES; "US banned tower cladding" #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/S5MmawFFly
The FT does have a picture of the commemoration wall for the Grenfell Tower but leads on interest rates staying put at record lows, saying there are fears that weak retail sales are signalling a prolonging a slowdown in the British economy.
Fri FT: 'BoE holds rates as weak retail sales add to fears of prolonged slowdown' #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/j9ymNCfmY8
5.59am BST
05:59
Hello and welcome
Hello and welcome to today’s blog about the aftermath of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire. Thank you for joining us. Here is a summary of the latest news:
Scotland Yard have launched a criminal investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire after it emerged that cladding panels similar to those likely to have been used on the 24-storey building have been widely prohibited on tall buildings in the US since 2012.
The prime minister Theresa May has also set up a public inquiry into the fire.
The official death toll stands at 17, but is expected to rise.
Police says six people have so far been provisionally identified, but no details have been given.
A total of 30 people are being treated in six London hospitals. Fifteen are in a critical condition.
Police have said that some of the dead from the blaze may never be identified, as officers warned that the painful process of retrieving the victims could take months.
Among those still missing are entire families, a six-month-old baby, a young Italian couple, and a five-year-old boy who lost hold of an adult’s hand as his family struggled through thick smoke to escape the blaze.
A charity inundated by donations has urged the public to stop sending clothes, food and other items for victims of the fire, asking that monetary donations be made instead.
Residents of high-rise flats run by the same organisation that ran Grenfell Tower have spoken of concerns for their safety.
May has addressed criticism that she did not meet survivors of the fire during a visit to the area, saying she wanted a briefing from the emergency services.
The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has suggested vacant houses in Kensington & Chelsea should be requisitioned on behalf of people left homeless by the fire.
Liberal Democrats have called for the cladding used on Grenfell Tower to be banned in the UK.
Writing in the Guardian, David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham, said that arrests and prosecutions should follow the deadly blaze.
It appears to be firming up that Mohamed Alhajali, one of the missing, has died. The Syrian Solidarity Campaign Facebook page is raising money for his funeral.
A rally will be held on Friday evening in Westminster calling for justice for those caught up in the fire.
Updated
at 6.11am BST