Grenfell Fire: Police Hand Evidence on 20 Firms and 54 People to CPS 2026

Police investigating the Grenfell Tower fire have handed files of evidence on 20 companies and 54 individuals to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), marking a significant milestone in the criminal probe into the 2017 disaster.

The Metropolitan police described the move as a “milestone” moment that paved the way for what it said would be “the very best possible evidence for charging decisions.” Potential offences include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety offences, fraud and fraud-related offences, and misconduct in public office.

The Guardian has learned that a leading prosecutor has been appointed to head any possible court cases. The fire on 14 June 2017 – which was found by a public inquiry to have been avoidable – led to the deaths of 72 people in North Kensington, west London.

Background: The Grenfell Tower Tragedy

The Grenfell Tower fire was the deadliest residential fire in Britain since World War II. A public inquiry found that the disaster resulted from “decades of failure” by central government to stop the spread of combustible cladding, combined with the “systematic dishonesty” of multimillion-pound companies whose products spread the fire.

The inquiry’s 2024 report concluded that the fire was avoidable and that those responsible must be held accountable. The police investigation has been ongoing for nearly nine years, and the handover of evidence to the CPS signals a critical phase in the legal process.

Potential Charges and Legal Implications

The files handed to prosecutors cover a range of potential offences. Corporate manslaughter charges could target companies whose actions or negligence led to the deaths. Gross negligence manslaughter applies to individuals whose conduct was so negligent it caused death. Health and safety offences may also be pursued, along with fraud and misconduct in public office.

Legal experts suggest that the complexity of the case, involving multiple defendants and overlapping regulations, will make prosecutions challenging. The CPS has said charging decisions will be made before the 10th anniversary of the disaster, which falls on 14 June 2027.

What Happens Next?

The CPS will now review the evidence and decide whether to bring charges. This process could take months, given the volume of material. If charges are filed, court proceedings may not begin until 2027 or later. Victims’ families have long called for accountability and swift justice.

Kevin Southworth, a deputy assistant commissioner at the Met, said: “This is a milestone moment in the police investigation into this devastating tragedy which took the lives of 72 people. We appreciate, of course, it has taken nine years to get to this point.”

Key Takeaways

• Police have handed evidence on 20 companies and 54 individuals to the CPS.
• Potential charges include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety offences, fraud, and misconduct in public office.
• Charging decisions are expected before the 10th anniversary of the fire in June 2027.
• The public inquiry found the fire was avoidable and resulted from systemic failures.

Comparison of Potential Charges

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