official... · 9. overnight all samples to be examined were locked inside the bureau veritas secure...
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OFFICIALStatement of: LEAVER, MATTHEW Form MG11(T)
Page 1 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
OFFICIAL
MET00012839_0001
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OFFICIALStatement of: LEAVER, MATTHEW Form MG11(T)
Page 2 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.
Signature: Matthew LEAVER Signature witnessed by:2018
OFFICIAL
ME100012839_0002
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OFFICIALStatement of: LEAVER, MATTHEW Form MG11(T)
Page 3 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
Signature: Matthew LEAVER Signature witnessed by:2018
OFFICIAL
MET00012839_0003