Police launch investigation into 'vile' video of Grenfell Tower model burnt on bonfire

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

Scotland Yard have launched an investigation into a “vile” video of a model of Grenfell Tower being burned on a bonfire.

The prime minister, home secretary, fire chiefs and survivors have all strongly condemned party-goers who laughed and joked as they mocked the Grenfell tragedy.

The Metropolitan Police are appealing for information on who was at the event that has been widely condemned as “sick” and racist.

The footage, apparently shot for bonfire night in a private garden, shows the 3ft cardboard model with brown faces at the windows – and a woman in a niqab – being lifted onto a fire.

Commander Stuart Cundy, who is leading the investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire, said: “I am frankly appalled by the callous nature of the video posted online.

“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 Met’s Grenfell Tower investigation team is taking this matter very seriously. Any offences that have been committed will be fully investigated.”

Theresa May said: “To disrespect those who lost their lives at Grenfell Tower, as well as their families and loved ones, is utterly unacceptable.”

These people are a disgrace

Sajid Javid

The video footage, which has prompted widespread anger, shows a group of white people laughing as the tower mock-up burns.

They refer to “ninjas”, thought to be a substitute for either Muslim women who wear a face veil or the offensive term “n*****”.

Men in the group call mockingly: “Help me!” and “Stay in your flat” – the advice given to residents during the UK’s worst residential fire since the Second World War, which engulfed Grenfell Tower in north Kensington last summer, leaving 72 people dead.

One person in the party is heard mentioning “really bad taste” but they continue to laugh and joke.

Mr Cundy asked anyone with information about the gathering or anyone present to contact police.

Campaign group Grenfell United condemned the video as “disgusting”.”We hope the police are taking this seriously,” the group tweeted.

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

The inquiry into the Grenfell disaster is continuing, with more witness statements being added to the inquiry website.

Social-media users felt sure the event was a hate crime, calling for those behind the burning to be punished.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: “This is disgusting, shameful, behaviour. These people are a disgrace.

“The survivors of the Grenfell tragedy have acted with unbelievable dignity and deserve the utmost respect.”

Policing minister Nick Hurd said police had assured him they would follow it up.