The government of the United Kingdom has paused demolition work at parts of Grenfell Tower after bereaved families threatened legal action to preserve walls bearing handprints.
A devastating fire tore through the 24-storey social housing block in London in June 2017, killing 72 people. Demolition of the building began in September last year as part of plans to clear the site.
During pre-demolition inspections, families discovered sections of stairwell walls with handprints they believe may belong to victims or survivors, along with an Arabic inscription reading “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest”) on another floor.
Officials had initially stated that no sections above the ninth floor would be preserved, citing sensitivities and the loss of life. However, both the handprints and the inscription were located above this level, prompting families to challenge the decision and seek judicial review.
The advocacy group Grenfell Next of Kin argued that former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner previously indicated parts of the tower could be preserved as a memorial if the community wished.
Following the legal challenge, the government announced a temporary pause in deconstruction of the affected areas. “Due to ongoing legal action, we have paused deconstruction works in the relevant areas,” a government spokesperson said.
Grenfell Next of Kin welcomed the decision but noted it was achieved only after families resorted to legal proceedings. The government confirmed that sections between the 12th and 14th floors would be cordoned off while demolition continues elsewhere. Work in those areas remains suspended pending further review.
The Arabic inscription found between the 17th and 18th floors has already been destroyed, according to reports.