Boris Johnson was today urged to order a full inquiry into the death of a seven-year-old boy during 2014 floods to avoid a Stephen Lawrence-style injustice.
Zane Gbangbola died from toxic fumes in his home after the Thames burst its banks, with the family’s house lying next to a former landfill site.
Firefighters recorded high levels of Hydrogen Cyanide in the home when they arrived on the scene but a coroner controversially ruled Zane died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
That is despite medical records showing his dad Kye’s paraplegia came as a result of Hydrogen Cyanide poisoning.
Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer, Richard Burgon and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham were among those in a House of Lords meeting on Wednesday to insist the government launch an Independent Public Inquiry into the tragedy.
(Image: Surrey Herald)
Kye, 54, and wife Nicole, 42, will deliver a 100,000-strong petition to Downing Street to demand the full investigation.
Shadow Justice Secretary Mr Burgon said: “The Government has got to sit up and take notice.
“It should act now and be on the right side of history.
“They need to grant the Independent Public Inquiry…to establish the cause of death.
“The brave Hillsborough families, the parents of Stephen Lawrence – these are examples of when the state did not use its power to deliver justice.
“The government should act now as eventually the truth will come out.”
He vowed to establish a cross-party working group on the case.
(Image: PA)
(Image: Philip Coburn)
It took six years for a public inquiry to establish “institutional racism” in the Met Police after the 1993 racist murder of 18-year-old Lawrence and the force’s botched initial investigation.
Following tireless campaigning by Stephen’s parents, two of the killers were eventually convicted – in 2012 – out of five initial suspects in the case.
The Fire Brigade Union’s Joe Weir today told how specialised fire firefighters from the force’s Hazmat team took high hydrogen cyanide readings in the Chertsey home on three different occasions after the tragedy in 2014.
(Image: Philip Coburn/Daily Mirror)
(Image: Philip Coburn)
He blasted the 2016 inquest into Zane’s death, saying crucial evidence was not disclosed, adding: “How is it that these parents are having to beg, borrow and challenge just to find out the truth about how their beloved son died?”
There was no jury at the inquest and Zane’s parents were refused legal aid.
Politicians and the parents say key witnesses were not called during the inquest, which accused Kye and Nicole of leaving a petrol pump running – a claim they have always denied.
(Image: Surrey Herald)
Speaking publicly about Zane for the first time, Nicole said: “My son, who died in my arms on February 8 and who I held until his little fingers froze around mine.
“Kye was two yards from Zane (at the time of the incident) and he’s diagnosed with paraplegia from Hydrogen Cyanide poisoning.
“All we’re asking is for this to be investigated.
“It’s not just grieving parents who want this done.
“Looking at past cases, such as Hillsborough, we know it can be a long journey to the truth but we will fight for the rest of our lives, if we have to, for Zane.”
(Image: Surrey Herald)
Kye added: “If it was up to certain politicians there would have already been an independent public inquiry into Zane’s death so you have to ask the question – what on earth is with those in power?
“You have got to ask what is wrong with people if they cannot see a seven-year-old child deserves justice?
“We will take our inquiry petition – which is now at over 100,000 signatures – to number 10 and we can only ask the question. Would those in power do this if it was there own children? If not, then perhaps they should give Zane the chance he deserves at justice.”
Mr Burnham said: “I want the truth about Zane – I do not think we have the truth about what happened to this lovely little boy.
“There were many authorities involved at the time – including Porton Down.
“I fully support any independent panel to oversee disclosure of documents on the 2014 floods.
“It needs to be set up and set up now.”
Labour leadership frontrunner Sir Keir Starmer said: “In light of the tragedy the one thing deserved was a full and effective investigation into what happened.
“That didn’t happened because at the inquest there wasn’t that fearless quest for the truth but a narrow inquiry into the cause of death.
“There wasn’t legal aid – it was shocking.
“There also wasn’t a jury and that’s why it was a failure and we now need that fuller investigation.
“There were real dangers with what happened in Zane’s case that should have been warned about beforehand and should be out there so people know what they are, and I’m sure there are other examples that could be prevented if we get to the bottom of this.”
