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.

London

Six men arrested after 'vile' video shows Grenfell Tower effigy being burned at bonfire

People can be heard laughing in the video and saying “jump out the window” and “help me, help me”.

LAST UPDATE | Nov 6th 2018, 7:39 PM

SIX MEN HAVE been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence in connection with an investigation into a video posted online that shows an effigy of Grenfell Tower being burned.

The Metropolitan Police said the men, aged 49, 19 ,46, 55 and 49, were arrested after they handed themselves in to a south London police station at 10pm yesterday. They have been taken into custody.

Seventy-two people died after a massive fire engulfed the London tower block in June 2017.

The video shows a group of people placing an effigy of the public housing block onto a bonfire before laughing and saying “jump out the window”, “help me, help me” and “that’s what happens when they don’t pay their rent”.

ITV News / YouTube

Commander Stuart Cundy, who is leading the investigation into the tower fire, said he is “appalled” by the video.

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.

The Justice4Grenfell campaign group released a statement saying: “This is clearly a hate crime and as a society we should never tolerate these types of blatant acts of hatred.”

Prime Minister Theresa May described the incident as “utterly unacceptable”.

The Grenfell United organisation for survivors and the bereaved, tweeted: “It’s a disgusting video.

“Not only is it extremely upsetting to survivors and people who lost family, it’s hateful and offensive to everyone that has been affected.”

Bonfires are traditional in Britain around November 5, recalling a foiled plot to blow up parliament in 1605. Effigies of plotter Guy Fawkes are burned on the fire.

With reporting from AFP

Your Voice
Readers Comments
78
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