• Hillsborough

Police to launch new Hillsborough probe

A Liverpool fan holds up a banner in memory of the Hillsborough disaster © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: High Court quashes Hillsborough verdicts
  
• News: Move for Hillsborough verdicts to be quashed
  
• News: Hillsborough police chief steps down
  

A new police investigation into the Hillsborough disaster has been announced by the Home Secretary.

On the day when the High Court will rule whether or not to quash the original verdict of accidental death for the 96 Liverpool who lost their lives in the tragedy 23 years ago, Theresa May MP has confirmed that a new probe will be opened.

Former Durham Chief Constable Jon Stoddart will lead the new inquiry, which will be given new powers to investigate the circumstances surrounding the events before and during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final which caused the deaths.

The inquiry comes after the Hillsborough Independent Panel reported in September that there had been an institutional cover up at the time of the tragedy and in the ensuing years, something which prompted an apology from Prime Minister David Cameron in Parliament.

"The findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel were truly shocking, but while the families have now been given the truth, they have not yet received justice," May said.

"Jon Stoddart is a skilled and dedicated investigator who will bring a huge amount of policing experience to this demanding job.

"I am giving the IPCC new powers to investigate police misconduct, but this investigation will ensure no body with responsibility for fan safety at Hillsborough will escape scrutiny.

"I am determined to see a swift and thorough response to the findings of the Hillsborough Panel to deliver justice for the 96 football fans who died and the families who have fought so hard on their behalf."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.