Men filmed burning Grenfell Tower effigy could face charges

Prosecutors are deciding whether to bring criminal charges against a group of men who filmed the burning of an effigy of Grenfell Tower while laughing.

Six men were arrested and a seventh interviewed under caution over the video, which sparked outrage when it was posted online in November.

The clip showed a model depicting Grenfell Tower being placed over a naked flame and set alight while the men jeered.

Disgusted viewers of the footage described it as "sick" and said that those responsible had "no shame."

During the footage, a person can be heard saying "Didn't it start from the 10th floor, though?", while others add "Help me! Help me!" and "Jump out the window!"

Another says "Here we go" as the fire takes hold.

The Metropolitan Police passed a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service around 10 days ago and a decision will be made "in due course".

72 people died as a result of the tragedy at the west London block on June 14 2017.

The response to the fire is the subject of a new documentary, aired on Monday night, and will explore whether systematic mistakes at the Grenfell Tower fire "let both residents and firefighters down".

A CPS spokesman said: "The police have passed evidence to the CPS regarding a video which featured a model of Grenfell Tower on fire.

"The CPS is now considering the available evidence and will make a decision in due course on whether anyone should be charged with any criminal offences."

The six men who were arrested were a 19-year-old, a 46-year-old and a 49-year-old, all from South Norwood, a 49-year-old from Lambeth, a 55-year-old from Beckenham, and another 19-year-old.