Metropolitan Police Grenfell Tower investigation delay

The Metropolitan Police’s investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire will not be completed until September 2026, according to The Telegraph.

Det Supt Garry Moncrieff informed survivors and victims’ families of a revised timeline due to a lack of financial resources.

The initial target was March 2026, but the new timeline has pushed the conclusion date by six months.

Moncrieff acknowledged the impact this delay may have on families and stated that the investigation, involving 160 officers, is one of the most complex ever conducted by UK policing.

Impact on criminal prosecutions

The delayed investigation timeline will affect subsequent legal proceedings.

Det Supt Moncrieff indicated that the delay will push Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charging decisions to 2027.

The inquests into the deaths of 72 individuals can only proceed once criminal prosecutions are complete.

This means that the legal process could extend nearly 20 years beyond the 2017 tragedy.

Campaigners have criticised the timeline as exacerbating the suffering of those affected.

Campaigners’ response

Grenfell Next of Kin, a group representing victims and survivors, condemned the delay.

A spokesman stated: “This letter has heaped injustice upon injustice,” and accused authorities of exploiting the system.

The group expressed frustration over ongoing delays and questioned the necessity for further funding.

The campaigners noted that public inquiries, which heavily relied on police evidence, did not uncover fundamentally new findings compared to police investigations.

Government and police responses

The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the investigation.

A government spokesman stated: “We share the community’s determination to get to the truth of what happened and for those responsible to be held to account.”

Dept Asst Commissioner Stuart Cundy acknowledged frustrations over the delays but emphasised the importance of conducting a thorough investigation to ensure justice is achieved.

Funding delays push Grenfell Tower fire investigation timeline to 2026: Summary

The Metropolitan Police’s investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire has been delayed by six months due to insufficient funding, pushing the conclusion date to September 2026.

The revised timeline has caused frustration among victims’ families and campaigners, as Crown Prosecution Service charging decisions will be delayed until 2027, further prolonging the legal process.

Campaign groups have criticised the police and government over the timeline and the additional funding request.

Both the government and police maintain that a thorough investigation is necessary to achieve justice.