The criminal investigation into events surrounding the Lakanal House fire has identified how the fire and smoke spread through the block and is now at an ‘advanced stage’, according to the Metropolitan Police.

While the fire brigade investigation into the blaze on 3 July 2009 in which six people died has been completed, the police are still considering whether anyone should face criminal charges.

Meanwhile victims’ families have been critical of the time it is taking for the investigation to be completed. Rafael Cervi, whose wife and two children died in the fire, told the Guardian:

"I am suffering every day because of not knowing what happened and why my family died two floors above where the fire started, after they followed the instructions from the fire service to stay in the flat."

In a statement released in July on the second anniversary of the blaze, detective inspector Rick Murphy, leading the investigation, said:

“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims at this difficult time. It is two years since their loved ones tragically lost their lives and we know that they are still patiently waiting for all the answers as a result of our enquiries.

"This is a protracted and complex investigation and although we are now at an advanced stage, we are still not yet in a position to release further information. The families have been kept up to date at all stages of the enquiry either through their dedicated family liaison officers or in person by myself.”

The inquiry into the fire is being led by the Metropolitan Police in conjunction with the London Fire Brigade and the Health and Safety Executive, with help from the Building Research Establishment and the Crown Prosecution Service.