GRENFELL TOWER will come under government control once a 13-month police investigation at the site is complete, the Housing Ministry announced today.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government said it would take over legal responsibilities this month following anger at the prospect of the fire-ravaged ruin being handed back to Kensington & Chelsea council (RBKC).

RBKC will still own the building, but the government will make operational decisions, including security arrangements, safety and access, until its fate is decided.

Natasha Elcock, a survivor of the June 2017 disaster and Grenfell United member, said: “We are relieved that the government has listened to us and stepped in to make sure that RBKC will not be managing the site and will have no involvement in any decisions about the site.

“It’s hard to put into words how personal what happens to the site is to all of us who lived in the tower, lost loved ones in the fire and for the wider community.”