The Metropolitan Police have issued a statement in response to the recent publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report, calling it a “significant milestone” for the survivors, bereaved families, and the wider Grenfell community, as they continue to seek justice and accountability for the 2017 tragedy.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy, who leads the police investigation into the fire, expressed his condolences to those affected, emphasizing that the thoughts of the police remain with the victims and survivors. He acknowledged the report as “direct, comprehensive” and containing “clear conclusions.”
Cundy clarified that the police investigation operates independently of the public inquiry and under a different legal framework. This means the findings from the inquiry report cannot be directly used as evidence to bring criminal charges. However, he stressed that a thorough review of the report, combined with existing evidence from the ongoing criminal investigation, would be crucial in seeking justice.
The police investigation has been ongoing since the fire devastated the 24-story building in North Kensington in June 2017, killing 72 people. Cundy highlighted the complexity of the inquiry and estimated that the process would likely take another 12 to 18 months before being presented to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for potential charges. He acknowledged the strain that this lengthy investigation places on the bereaved families and survivors but stressed the importance of being thorough.
“We have one chance to get our investigation right,” Cundy said. He reiterated the Metropolitan Police’s dedication to ensuring those responsible for the tragedy are held to account and assured the community that their pursuit of justice would be both meticulous and swift.
The publication of the inquiry report marks a key step in addressing the failings that contributed to the disaster, and as investigations continue, many remain hopeful that the conclusions will lead to the necessary legal and systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
