'Fake Grenfell victim' held on suspicion of fraud
The 52-year-old man allegedly claimed he lived in a flat within Grenfell Tower and that he had lost his wife and son.
Thursday 29 June 2017 18:06, UK
A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fraudulently claiming to have lost family members in the Grenfell Tower disaster.
He is alleged to have attempted to gain money and housing by pretending relatives had died in the blaze.
It is alleged he came forward in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and family liaison officers were assigned to him after he claimed he had lost his wife and son in the fire.
Scotland Yard said he attempted to claim financial support after stating he had lost all his property.
Police launched an investigation after there were inconsistencies in the man's stories.
They also spoke to residents of the flat within Grenfell Tower where he claimed to live who said he did not live at the address.
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Further inquiries revealed the man lived 20 miles away in Bromley, southeast London, and did not have a wife or child.
Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Fiona McCormack, said: "The distress and suffering caused to so many families and loved ones that night is harrowing.
"I have made it clear that we are not interested in investigating things such as sub-letting or immigration matters as I want their help and do not want there to be any hidden victims of this tragedy.
"However, we will robustly investigate any information about anyone who seeks to capitalise on the suffering of so many."
Police arrested the man on Wednesday on suspicion of fraud and he is in custody at a west London police station.
Relatives of the person who did live at the address have been told about the investigation.