Theresa May condemns 'utterly unacceptable' Grenfell bonfire video
2 min read
Theresa May has reacted with fury to a "completely unacceptable" video of a model of Grenfell tower being burned on a bonfire.
The clip being circulated on social media shows a group setting fire to a cardboard version of the west London apartment block, where more than 72 people lost their lives last June.
Some of those in the footage appear to mock those who died in the blaze, making siren sounds and shouting "help me".
The Metropolitan Police announced on Tuesday morning that there had been five arrests in connection with the case following a public outcry.
The Prime Minister took to Twitter late on Monday to make clear her anger at the video.
Housing Secretary James Brokenshire, whose department is leading the response to the Grenfell tragedy meanwhile issued a statement lashing out at the "repugnant material".
He said: "At a time when the bereaved and survivors are giving testimony to the Grenfell Inquiry and reliving the unimaginable horror of that tragedy, it beggars belief that anyone should do this.
"Those responsible for this repugnant material are beneath contempt. I know that the police have been made aware of this video and will work to establish whether any offences have been committed.
"I would urge people not to continue to share this video."
Home Secretary Sajid Javid accused the group of "disgusting, shameful, behaviour", while London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "I utterly condemn this sickening video.”
The Labour politician added: “The horrific Grenfell Tower fire was one of the most devastating tragedies our city has ever suffered - and I urge social media companies to do the right thing and remove this content immediately."
The footage has already been condemned by campaigners from the Justice4Grenfell group, as well as the London Fire Brigade.
The Metropolitan Police said five men had been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence in connection with the video.
The force said the men - two aged 49 and the others aged 19, 46 and 55 - had handed themselves in at a south London station.
Commander Stuart Cundy, who is leading the Metropolitan Police's probe into last year's blaze said: "The Met’s Grenfell Tower investigation team is taking this matter very seriously. Any offences that have been committed will be fully investigated."
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