Banners wrapped on skeleton of Grenfell Tower

Banners were wrapped yesterday on top of the charred remains of Britain’s Grenfell Tower amid preparations to solemnly mark the anniversary of the 2017 blaze that left 72 people dead.

The 25-storey London apartment building has now almost been entirely wrapped in white sheeting, with one side emblazoned in the message ‘‘Forever in our Hearts.’’ Another side bore a green heart, a symbol for survivors.

The wrapping comes as authorities press on with their investigations into the June 14, 2017, blaze and its aftermath.

London’s Metropolitan police arrested eight men and one woman yesterday on allegations of benefiting from housing allowances by claiming to be victims of the fire. The amounts in question range from £20,000 ($NZ38,000) to £100,000.

‘‘It is completely unacceptable that people would seek to profit from such a human tragedy, and try and attach themselves to a community that they are not part of,’’ said Detective Superintendent Matt Bonner.

An inquiry, meanwhile, is investigating causes of the high-rise blaze to prevent future tragedies. Some survivors have accused local officials of ignoring safety concerns because the public-housing block was home to largely working-class residents in an otherwise wealthy neighbourhood.

A separate police investigation also continues, involving 193 officers and staff. Police said 507 organisations have been identified as having a role in the construction, refurbishment and management of the apartment building, but authorities are focusing on 36 organisations seen as playing a significant role.

‘‘This large and complex investigation remains a priority and we have made significant progress over the last year,’’ Commander Stuart Cundy said. ‘‘We will continue to investigate fearlessly, as we move forward.’’ –