skip to main content

Grenfell footage shows officers climbing blackened stairways

Officers are seen catching their breath as they climbed the staircase
Officers are seen catching their breath as they climbed the staircase

New footage has been released from inside the remains of Grenfell Tower, four weeks after the tragic fire.

The latest images released by the Metropolitan Police show specialist officers trying to catch their breath as they climbed the blackened staircase.

Floor numbers have been painted in bright yellow on to the charred walls, to help officers identify what floor they are on.

Inquests are expected to be opened today for more of the victims at Westminster Coroner's Court.

At least 80 people are thought to have died when the blaze tore through the 24-storey block on 14 June.

Sergeant Alistair Hutchins, who was one of the first officers from the Disaster Victim Identification Unit (DVI) to enter the block, said: "We are looking at a fingertip search, of all flats on all floors."

He explained that officers will be on their hands and knees using small trowels, shovels and 6mm size sieves to help find small fragments of bone and teeth, which can be used to identify victims.

The specialist officer also acknowledged the frustration that families of the victims are experiencing due to lack of information available, adding: "I deeply, deeply understand the frustration family members have and the answers they want.

"All I can say is please be patient, we are doing our utmost best for you. And we are working as hard as we can."

The officer leading the investigation has said police are determined to return those who died to their families, in a statement released four weeks after the tragedy.

Commander Stuart Cundy said the human cost of that blaze "is something we are all still trying to fully comprehend".

He added: "Each and every one of us involved from the Met is determined to do all we can to return those who died to their families as soon as we can.

"Today, we remember all those who have been so deeply affected."