Managers and firms may be prosecuted

THE company that managed Grenfell Tower and contractors who carried out the recent renovations could face prosecution, it has emerged.

As the number of deaths rose to 79, Commander Stuart Cundy, who is leading the investigation, fought back tears as he admitted that some bodies may never be identified because of the “intensity” of the fire.

He said a criminal investigation was looking at “how the building was managed and maintained, fire safety measures in the building, the construction and the refurbishment”.

This suggests that Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, which ran the 24-storey block on behalf of the council, the contractors Rydon and cladding firm Harley Facades Ltd could all face criminal allegations.

Before the fire, residents at the tower had complained about power surges and blocked emergency exits. David Lammy MP has also called for prosecutions for corporate manslaughter.

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, has written to Theresa May calling for a full, judge-led inquiry into the fire to include building control, planning and fire safety decisions made by ministers.

“All of these have seen significant changes in the recent past as part of an agenda of de-regulation and cutting so-called red tape,” he said.

“Those who took those decisions are going to have to start facing the consequences.”

Victims formally identified include artist Khadija Saye, 24, Abufars Ibrahim, 39, Anthony Disson, 65, Syrian refugee Mohammad Alhajali, 23, and a 52-year-old woman, Khadija Khalloufi.

However, in a moment of hope, Commander Cundy revealed that five people feared to have died in the fire had been found alive and well.

They are believed to be the Kudhair family who had fled Syria.