London Fire Brigade named in Met’s investigation file on Grenfell

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed it is among those facing possible criminal action over the Grenfell Tower fire.

Prosecutors were handed an evidence file on 20 organisations and firms and 54 individuals from the Metropolitan Police earlier this week.

The force is seeking charges including corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety offences and fraud-related offences relating to the deaths of 72 people in the disaster.

London fire commissioner Jonathan Smith said he welcomed the progress in the investigation.

The Met’s investigation – Operation Northleigh – began soon after the fire in June 2017 and has involved hundreds of investigating officers.

The CPS said any charging decisions would be made before the 10th anniversary of the disaster in 2027.

In a statement, the LFB said: “The London fire commissioner has been notified by the Metropolitan Police Service that, following its investigation into the events surrounding the Grenfell Tower fire, a file has been submitted to the CPS for its consideration in respect of London Fire Brigade.

“The London fire commissioner welcomes the progress in the investigation process and reaffirms his commitment to providing the CPS with full cooperation, as LFB has sought to do throughout Operation Northleigh.”

Smith said: “We remember the 72 people who lost their lives, and our thoughts remain with the bereaved, survivors and everyone whose lives were changed forever by that night.

“LFB accepted the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and has now implemented all the recommendations from both phases.

“We continue working with our partners across government and the fire and rescue sector to ensure the lessons of the Grenfell tragedy are learnt, and this continues to shape everything we do.”