Question bosses over Grenfell, says union

The firefighters’ union has said senior chiefs should be questioned over any failures at the Grenfell tragedy, rather than the officers on the ground.

The Fire Brigades Union said questions at the public inquiry put to Michael Dowden, junior officer in charge during the inferno’s first hour who did not reverse “stay-put” advice, were being asked of the wrong person.

Yesterday, the inquiry heard that Mr Dowden did not receive key messages from firefighters inside the building about the internal spread of the fire. Mr Dowden marshalled the response until around 1.47am, by which point the blaze had reached the 23rd floor.