Grenfell Tower fire: Met investigation into theft from abandoned flat isn't ruling out police officers

Authorities believe money was stolen at some point after Tuesday 20 June, six days after devastating blaze claimed at least 80 lives

Lucy Pasha-Robinson
Monday 11 September 2017 22:04 BST
MP David Lammy, whose friend Khadijah Saye died in the fire, called the culprit 'scum'
MP David Lammy, whose friend Khadijah Saye died in the fire, called the culprit 'scum'

Police are investigating reports money has been stolen from one of the abandoned flats in Grenfell Tower, sparking fears other properties ravaged by June's fire could have been targeted.

Authorities believe the theft took place at some point after Tuesday 20 June, six days after the devastating blaze claimed at least 80 lives.

The Met said they were unable to rule out "authorised personnel" from the investigation at this stage, suggesting that a fellow police officer could have been involved in the alleged crime.

Police refused to say how much money was reportedly taken.

"Steps have been taken to review the security of all the flats within Grenfell Tower, and some changes immediately put into place," a spokesperson said.

"One of the lines of enquiry must be to examine exactly who has had access to the site and the flats, either as authorised personnel or otherwise."

MP David Lammy, whose friend Khadijah Saye died in the fire, called the culprit "scum".

"Scum. Theft from Grenfell Tower flat is a grotesque crime. Where were the police? How secure is the crime scene now?," he wrote on Twitter.

Survivors of the tragedy and the families of those who died were informed of the alleged theft on Friday.

It comes just weeks after authorities announced they would try to begin returning possessions to occupants of the 33 flats that suffered little damage in the fire.

The Met received a report on Friday 8 September of the theft. The police investigation is ongoing.

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