Full Breakdown
Grenfell Tower Fire Investigation Files Sent to Prosecutors
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Police Hand Over Final Investigation to the CPS
The Metropolitan Police has submitted its final investigation file on the Grenfell Tower fire to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The dossier contains evidence against 54 individuals and 20 companies or organisations, including the former Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO), the London Fire Brigade (LFB), the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and the Department of Housing. Prosecutors are being asked to consider charges such as corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health-and-safety offences, fraud and misconduct in public office. The CPS has indicated that charging decisions will be made before the 10th anniversary of the disaster on 14 June 2027.
Background & Context
On 14 June 2017 a fire broke out in Grenfell Tower, spreading via combustible cladding and killing 72 people. A public inquiry later concluded the blaze was avoidable and attributed it to “decades of failure” by central government and “systematic dishonesty” by companies supplying the cladding. The inquiry’s first phase, chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, criticised the LFB’s “serious shortcomings” in its response.
Key Figures & Groups
- Metropolitan Police – led Operation Northleigh.
- Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) – will review the evidence.
- KCTMO – former manager of council-owned social housing, now dissolved.
- London Fire Brigade (LFB) – fire service, commissioner Jonathan Smith pledged cooperation.
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) – council referred to the CPS; leader Elizabeth Campbell.
- Department of Housing – referred after police investigations began in 2023.
- Grenfell United – advocacy group for bereaved families.
- Andy Burnham – political figure supporting families’ call for accountability.
- Angela Rayner – Housing Secretary, acknowledging the significance of the police files.
Timeline
- 14 June 2017 – Grenfell Tower fire kills 72.
- June 2017 onward – Operation Northleigh launched.
- 2023 – Police begin investigating the Department of Housing.
- Earlier this month – Metropolitan Police submits final file to CPS (reported by BBC and The Guardian).
- Before 14 June 2027 – CPS to issue charging decisions.
Data & Statistics
- 54 individuals and 20 organisations named for possible prosecution.
- Investigation amassed 12,600 pages of evidence, 14,700 statements, and 27,000 exhibits.
- Over 15,000 people and 700 organisations examined during the inquiry.
- A replica of Grenfell Tower is being built at a cost of £2 million for potential court use.
Official Statements & Responses
- KCTMO expressed “deepest condolences and sympathies” and pledged cooperation.
- Elizabeth Campbell noted the council has been informed the CPS will independently review the evidence.
- Angela Rayner acknowledged the gravity of the development and promised a diligent response.
Criticism & Opposition
- Andy Burnham warned the process had taken too long but welcomed the submission of evidence, calling for accountability.
What’s Next
The CPS will review the submitted evidence and is expected to announce charging decisions before the 10th anniversary of the Grenfell fire on 14 June 2027. The outcome will determine whether any of the identified individuals or organisations face prosecution for their roles in the tragedy.