Grenfell Tower: Shouts of 'arrest someone' as angry survivors heckle officials at heated public meeting four weeks on from tragedy

Chloe Chaplain14 July 2017

Angry Grenfell Tower survivors heckled the officer leading the police probe into the fire, calling on him to “arrest someone” at a heated public meeting four weeks on from the blaze.

The meeting was arranged to provide locals with a chance to put questions to key figures leading the investigations.

But it descended into chaos as frustrated residents became angry and upset.

Investigating officer Matt Bonner was quizzed at St Clement's Church - a short distance from where the blaze happened exactly four weeks ago.

Heated: Members of the Grenfell Tower community attend a public meeting with representatives of the Gold Command structure at St Clements Church
PA

"I cannot tell you about the case as it would put the investigation at risk," he told the audience.

He was met with cries of "arrest someone" as the crowd grew increasingly frustrated by his explanation.

He said the police investigation would "not be quick but it would be thorough".

Also in attendance was incoming council leader Elizabeth Campbell, who was heckled by one audience member.

Hilary Patel, who is part of community engagement for the Grenfell Response Team, told the locals that they should not be worried about the building collapsing.

"The building has never been at risk of falling down," she said.

Residents were told that Grenfell Tower could not be covered yet because doing so could change the humidity and other factors inside, which could interfere with the investigation.

Concerns: There are fears the tower is not safe for surrounding homes 
Getty Images

They were also told scaffolding was not yet an option, as it would need to be fixed to the middle of the building, which could also interfere.

Residents were also assured that the air around the estate was safe enough to breathe.

"We've monitored for asbestos and found none in the vicinity," said Dr Deborah Turbitt, from Public Health England.

Residents: People gathered for a vigil to mark four weeks since the Grenfell Tower
PA

One woman, whose questions to the panel were being translated, took the microphone as residents at the meeting began shouting over each other, and asked them: "What truth are you looking for here?"

"They're just wasting time," a translator told the room for her.

During the evening, the grieving community held a vigil remembering those lost in the horrific fire.

Vigil: People place candles at the memorial wall on Bramley Road
PA

Hundreds of mourners, many in tears, slowly filed down a wall plastered in tributes in the west London neighbourhood as dusk fell.

Pictures, flowers and handwritten messages are wrapped around swathes of the area, illuminated by candles brought out for the occasion.

At least 80 people died in the inferno on June 14 while hundreds who called the block home were forced into emergency accommodation.

Among those at the vigil was Emma Dent Coad, the newly-elected MP for the area.

She told the Press Association: "It's very, very hard, people are on the edge. I know people who have been lost, I know people who have lost people, I know people who are besides themselves with grief. It is really, really difficult.

Vigil: A young girl places flowers at the memorial wall on Bramley Road
PA

"My plan is to get down here as much as possible, being here is just important for me.

"It is still chaotic, the whole process of housing people, getting them social housing, mental health help, whatever other help they are getting, obviously the people who aren't getting help come to me.

"It's disgraceful, actually, the council are still failing people every day."

Asked about the frustration vented at the meeting, council leader Elizabeth Campbell said: "I'm not surprised. Platitudes don't really count in a situation like this."

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