Mother of Grenfell video suspect describes footage as ‘disgusting’

The garden of the house on Norhyrst Avenue in South Norwood, London, where it is believed a model of Grenfell Tower was burnt on a bonfire Credit: Philip Toscano/PA

The mother of a teenager arrested over a viral video mocking the Grenfell Tower tragedy has described the footage as “disgusting”.

Louise Connell told The Sun her son Bobbi, 19, would “get some words from me” when the pair are reunited after the teenager was among those allegedly questioned by police.

Scotland Yard confirmed on Tuesday evening that all six men held by police investigating the “offensive” video had been freed pending further inquiries.

They were a 19-year-old, a 46-year-old and a 49-year-old, all from South Norwood, a 49-year-old from Lambeth, a 55-year-old from Beckenham, and another 19-year-old.

It is claimed Bobbi’s father, Cliff Smith, had hosted the party at which the model depicting the Grenfell Tower was placed over a naked flame and set alight to a cacophony of laughter.

Ms Connell told The Sun: “I had no idea they were handing themselves in.

“In a million years I never thought any of them would be involved in anything like this.

“It’s disgusting, absolutely disgusting. I’ve been shaking since I found out.”

The video was condemned by Prime Minister Theresa May as well as Grenfell campaign groups.

Ms Connell added: “My heart really goes out to the Grenfell families – people who have lost loved ones and then have ended up reliving the horror by seeing all this. It’s like killing these poor people all over again.”

Officers were seen searching a south London address in relation to the incident earlier on Tuesday.

A police officer leaving a house in South Norwood, London, where it is believed a model of Grenfell Tower was burnt on a bonfire Credit: Philip Toscano/PA

Three officers from the Metropolitan Police carried evidence bags into the terrace property in South Norwood.

Aerial images of the property appeared to show charred patches of grass along with an England flag lying across the rear of the garden.

A similar flag was visible behind the Grenfell model in the video.

The property is registered to 49-year-old Clifford Smith, according to public records.

A total of 72 people died as a result of the tragedy at the west London block on June 14 last year.

During the clip, a person can be heard saying: “Didn’t it start from the 10th floor, though?”, while others add: “Help me! Help me!” and “Jump out the window!”

Another says “Here we go” as the fire takes hold.

As flames wrap around halfway up the model, a man says: “(inaudible) All the little ninjas getting it at the minute (lots of laughs).”