Kensington and Chelsea Council has said it is an “open and transparent organisation”, following reports it is being put under pressure by police to block sensitive Grenfell Tower reports .

The Independent revealed on Thursday (October 19) that the council is being pressured by Scotland Yard not to release documents containing cladding safety concerns voiced before the fire.

The Met has advised the council to block Freedom of Information (FoI) requests trying to shed light on what action was taken to mitigate fire risks at Grenfell Tower .

The council said it had been advised by police not to release the information amid fears it could interfere with the criminal investigation, it was reported.

But the council said it would not bow to pressure, and will continue to answer FoI requests.

A council spokesman said: “We are an open and transparent organisation and we are responding to Freedom of Information requests relating to the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy as we would do on any other request of this nature.

Council leader Elizabeth Campbell

The spokesman continued: “Any item or documentation requested of us, be it Grenfell Tower related or any other council business, we will disclose in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and independently of the police or any other external organisation.”

A Met spokesman told getwestlondon: “We are carrying out an ongoing criminal investigation into the cause and spread of the fatal fire at Grenfell Tower on June 14.

Emergency services at Grenfell

“This investigation is one of the most complex carried out by the MPS, outside of terrorism and we are committed to finding answers for all those so deeply affected by the tragedy.

“We will consider taking every possible legal step to prevent this investigation from being prejudiced. As such we are made aware of and consulted on if release of material under the Freedom of Information Act, at this stage, may prejudice this ongoing investigation.," the spokesman said.

He added: “The Act allows for such consultation to take place, and there are relevant exemptions for non-release of material that may prejudice, at this stage, an ongoing criminal investigation.

“The release of material remains the decision of the organisation who holds it.”

The cladding at Grenfell Tower is thought to have contributed significantly to the speed and intensity with which the blaze spread through the building on June 14.

Around 80 people were killed.

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