official... · 9. overnight all samples to be examined were locked inside the bureau veritas secure...

OFFICIALStatement of: LEAVER, MATTHEW Form MG11(T)

of 3

WITNESS STATEMENT

Criminal Procedure Rules, r27.2; Criminal Justice Act 1967, s.9; Magistrates' Courts Act 1980, s.5b

Statement of: LEAVER, MATTHEW

Age if under 18: Over 18 (if over 18 insert 'over 18') Occupation: FIRE INVESTIGATOR

This statement (consisting of 3 page(s) each signed by me) is true to the best of my knowledge and beliefand I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be liable to prosecution if I have wilfullystated in it anything which I know to be false, or do not believe to be true.

Signature: MATTHEW LEAVER Date: 29/11/2017

Tick if witness evidence is visually recorded El (supply witness details on rear)

1. I, Matthew Charles Leaver, am a Watch Manager (WM) in the London Fire Brigade (LFB). I am

currently attached to the Fire Investigation Team at Dowgate Fire Station, 94-95 Upper Thames Street,

EC4R 3UE. I have been employed in the Fire Service for 20 years, I have investigated in excess of 180

fire scenes. I have completed the Fire investigation course with Bureau Veritas and a further practical

course with Gardiners Associates. I also undertake training within the Brigade's Continuous Professional

Development (CPD) programme. Prior to undertaking this role I was an operationally serving Watch

Manager for 8 years.

2. My principle duties are to investigate scenes of fire in order to determine the origin and cause and to

observe how fire and people involved in fire behave.

3. This statement refers to my attendance as an observer at Bureau Veritas Laboratory, Unit 46-50 T-

Marchant Industrial Estate, Verney Road, London, SE16 3DH on the 19th and 20thJune 2017

4. I will also be mentioning the following people:

Mr Steve DAY, Bureau Veritas.

Mr Bruce JOLLIFFE, Bureau Veritas.

Mr Dan MATTHEWS, Key Forensic Services.

Mr Martin CROOKES, Key Forensic Services.

Signature: Matthew LEAVER Signature witnessed by:2018

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of 3Detective Constable (DC) Sarah WILD, Metropolitan Police Service

WM Andy VAUGHAN-DAVIS, London Fire Brigade

5. Following a fire at Grenfell Tower, Lancaster West Estate, London, W11 1TG on the 14th June 2017.

A number of samples were taken by the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service from

flat 16 Grenfell Tower, Lancaster West Estate, London, W11 1TG.

6. This statement refers to the scientific examination of these items by Mr Steve DAY, Mr Bruce

JOLLIF'FE, WM Andy VAUGHAN-DAVIS, Mr Dan MATTHEWS and Mr Martin CROOKES. My role

at the examination was to oversee the process, act as an observer, assist in documenting the examination,

supply relevant information about the items and the on site scene examination. My reference was the

same on both days that I attended. DC Sarah WILD Metropolitan Police Service also oversaw the

examination.

7. At 08:30hrs on the 19th June 2017 I reported for duty at Dowgate Fire investigation offices, Dowgate

Fire Station, 94-95 Upper Thames Street, London, EC4R 3UE. I met with Group Manager PUGSLEY

who briefed me on my remit for the next two days, I then gathered the samples and relevant sample

paperwork which were being held within the Fire Investigation secure sample store and took them to the

Bureau Veritas Laboratory. The samples taken are listed as follows:

Sample ID Description Exhibit number

N00001790 Fridge freezer BPS1

N00001788 Fridge freezer Door BPS2

N00001789 Fridge freezer wiring BPS3

P000 10363 Compressor unit for Fridge Freezer BPS4

P02839036 Assorted wiring behind fridge freezerBPS5

8. On the 19th June 2017 the examination started at 11:20hrs this was attended by Mr Steve DAY, Mr

Bruce JOLLEFFE, WM Andy VAUGHAN-DAVIS, Mr Dan MATTHEWS, Mr Martin CROOKES, DC

Sarah WILD and myself. The examination was suspended that day at 16:30hrs.


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of 39. Overnight all samples to be examined were locked inside the Bureau Veritas secure laboratory.

10. On the 20th June 2017 the examination restarted at 09:45hrs this was attended by Mr Bruce

JOLLIFFE, WM Andy VAUGHAN-DAVIS, Mr Martin CROOKES, DC Sarah WILD and myself The

examination concluded at 17:00hrs.

1 1 At the end of the examination all of the items examined were handed over into the care of DC Sarah

WILD

12. I observed the examination throughout both days. I made contemporaneous notes and I took

photographs with the aid of a Brigade digital camera. Upon my return to the office on both days I burnt

the images onto a 'WORM' type CD. These contemporaneous notes and images have already been

exhibited to the Metropolitan Police service as follows:

Description Date Exhibit number

Contemporaneous notes 19th June 2017 MCL-21-076029-14062017

Photographs 19th June 2017 MCL-21A-076029-14062017

Contemporaneous notes 20th June 2017 MCL-22-076029-14062017

Photographs 20thJune 2017 MCL-22A-076029-14062017

13. This statement was made with reference to contemporaneous notes and photographs

Watch Manager Matt Leaver.

Fire Investigation Team, Red Watch


OFFICIAL

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official... · 9. overnight all samples to be examined were locked inside the bureau veritas secure...

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