Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

No charges yet in 2017 Grenfell Tower fire that killed 72 people

The fire, Britain’s deadliest in a residential building since World War Two, sparked national debate on building standards and the treatment of low-income communities.

No charges yet in 2017 Grenfell Tower fire that killed 72 people

Criminal charges related to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, which killed 72 people, remain years away. British police and prosecutors stated on Wednesday that 58 individuals and 19 firms and organisations are under investigation.

The fire, Britain's deadliest in a residential building since World War Two, sparked national reflection on building standards and the treatment of low-income communities.


An electrical fault in a refrigerator started the fire, which spread rapidly through the 23-storey social housing block on June 14, 2017. A major police investigation began soon after, but detectives indicated that no charges would be filed until the conclusion of a public inquiry.

The final report of the inquiry is expected this year. However, due to the complexity of the case and the need to review the findings, charges or trials are unlikely before the disaster's tenth anniversary, police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

"It would be our hope that by the end of 2026 we will be in a position where we are making final charging decisions," said Rosemary Ainslie, the CPS head of special crime.

Police reported that 180 investigators are still working on the case, having interviewed more than 50 suspects for over 300 hours and gathered 152 million files and documents.

Potential charges include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, health and safety offences, and misconduct in a public office.

"We as the police have one chance to get this investigation done to the right standard ... We owe that to those who lost their lives," said Stuart Cundy, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of London's police. The investigation has already cost more than 107 million pounds ($136 million).

A combustible cladding system retro-fitted to the tower's exterior accelerated the fire's spread, while many residents died in their apartments after following official guidance to stay put and await rescue.

In 2019, the first phase of the inquiry found that serious failings by the fire brigade had cost lives. The second phase addressed design and maintenance issues and safety regulations, with the final report now nearing completion.

(Reuters)

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less