Up to 57 people and 20 organisations could face criminal charges over the Grenfell Tower fire disaster, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed as their long-running investigation moves closer to prosecution decisions.The devastating blaze at Grenfell Tower in west London on June 14, 2017 claimed the lives of 72 people and remains one of the deadliest tragedies in modern British history.

The Metropolitan Police said offences being investigated include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, misconduct in public office, and breaches of health and safety laws.

However, despite the scale of the investigation, any criminal trials are not expected to begin before 2029 — 12 years after the fire tore through the North Kensington tower block.

Trials Could Continue Until 2035

Human rights barrister Michael Mansfield, who has represented some of the victims and bereaved families, warned that the legal process could continue for years due to the number of suspects involved.

He said multiple trials were likely and suggested proceedings may continue well into the next decade.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that files relating to potential charges are expected to be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service by September 2026. Decisions on who will face prosecution are expected before the 10th anniversary of the disaster next summer.

Largest Investigation in Met Police History

The inquiry, known as Operation Northleigh, has become the biggest and most complex investigation ever undertaken by the Metropolitan Police.

Detectives have examined the role of around 15,000 individuals and 700 organisations linked to the Grenfell Tower refurbishment, management and fire safety processes.

Garry Moncrieff, the senior officer leading the investigation, described the case as an enormous challenge due to the number of parties potentially involved.

He said investigators had faced a “huge challenge” trying to “decipher” and “disentangle” responsibility among the many companies and individuals connected to the disaster.

“We are almost ready to submit files to the CPS,” he said.

Police revealed that investigators have reviewed around 165 million electronic files and gathered more than 14,400 witness statements as part of the inquiry, which has already cost approximately £150 million.

A full-scale replica of part of Grenfell Tower is also being constructed at a cost of £2 million to assist with future court proceedings.

Public Inquiry Found Tower Became a ‘Death Trap’

The latest developments come 20 months after the official public inquiry into the fire delivered a damning conclusion.

The inquiry, chaired by Martin Moore-Bick, found that Grenfell Tower had effectively been transformed into a “death trap” through the use of cheap, highly combustible cladding and building materials during refurbishment works.

The final report accused construction companies, architects and politicians of years of negligence and failures around fire safety regulations.

It also found that residents had repeatedly raised concerns about safety in the building before the tragedy, but their warnings were ignored.

Survivors and Families Say Justice Has Taken Too Long

Campaign group Grenfell United, which represents bereaved families and survivors, said the wait for accountability had become unbearable.

In a statement released following Tuesday’s announcement, the group said: “Today’s update from the Metropolitan Police marks an important step in a process that has already taken far too long.

“Nearly 10 years after the Grenfell Tower fire claimed the lives of 72 people, bereaved families, survivors and residents are being told that files will begin to be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service in September 2026, with charging decisions expected before the tenth anniversary.

“For our community, this is not news we meet with celebration. We meet it with caution, grief and determination.

“No family should have to wait over 10 years for justice for their loved ones, if it comes at all.

“Justice delayed any further would be unacceptable.”

Calls for Accountability Continue

London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the determination and resilience of the Grenfell community throughout the years-long fight for justice.

He said those responsible for the tragedy “must be held to account”.

‍