Death toll soars as 58 are presumed dead
THE death toll caused by the Grenfell Tower fire soared yesterday amid recriminations about the one of the worst disasters to hit the UK in years. Commander Stuart Cundy of the Metropolitan Police said 58 people were now missing and presumed dead, which was up from a figure of around 30 that had previously been reported.
He said: “Sadly, at this time, there are 58 people who we have been told were in the Grenfell Tower on the night that are missing, and therefore sadly I have to assume that they are dead.”
The police chief also addressed concerns that the total figure was being downplayed.
“I really do understand the fears of so many about not knowing the scale of the tragedy that is unfolding behind us,” he said. “You have my absolute assurance that as soon as I can tell you something that I know to be accurate I will tell you.”
Cundy added: “That number 58 may change. I really hope it won’t, but it may increase. Our focus has been on those that we know were in Grenfell Tower.
“However, there may be other people who were in there on the night that others were not aware were there.”
He added: “That is also an absolute priority for the investigation.”
Of the 58, Cundy said 30 were confirmed dead. He said: “We investigate criminal matters. The investigation will identify any criminal offence that has been committed.
“It will be wide-ranging. It will go to establish the answers of what happened in the fire and how it spread, it will look at the building itself, it will look at the refurbishment as well.
“Our criminal investigation will identify any criminal offences that have been committed. Wherever we can, we will bring people to justice if there is evidence.
“It is completely and wholly inappropriate for me to talk about details of the investigation which may subsequently jeopardise any criminal proceedings.”