Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Investigation launched into 'vile' Grenfell Tower effigy video

Footage of a group of people laughing while a model of the tragic tower burns has gone viral.

LONDON’S METROPOLITAN POLICE are investigating an “appalling” video showing a model of Grenfell Tower being burned on a bonfire.

The video shows a group of people placing an effigy of the public housing bloc, where dozens of people were killed in an inferno last June, onto a bonfire.

An England flag can be seen in the background as several people can be heard laughing and joking while the model goes up in flames.

The effigy featured cutouts of people trapped inside the doomed building and even one person dangling from the roof.

One person says “jump out the window” while others shout “help me, help me”. Another man can be heard saying “that’s what happens when they don’t pay their rent”.

grenfell-2

Commander Stuart Cundy, who is leading the investigation into the tower fire, said: “I am frankly appalled by the callous nature of the video posted online. A total of 71 people died in the fire at Grenfell Tower, so many people lost so many loved ones, and many more have been deeply affected. To mock that disaster in such a crude way is vile.

I can’t imagine the distress this video will undoubtedly cause to bereaved families and survivors.

He added that the Met’s Grenfell Tower investigation team is taking the matter very seriously and any offences that have been committed will be fully investigated.

The Justice4Grenfell campaign group released a statement  branding the video an “act of hate”.

“This is clearly a hate crime and as a society we should never tolerate these types of blatant acts of hatred,” it said.

The UK’s Home Secretary Sajid Javid also condemned the video, calling it “disgusting, shameful, behaviour”.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
44 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds