‘Yet another bitter injustice for Hillsborough families

Police conduct report finds 12 officers would have faced gross misconduct cases over their roles in the 1989 football disaster

- DAN HAYGARTH

Twelve police officers would have faced gross misconduct proceedings for “fundamental failures” on the day of the Hillsborough disaster and “concerted efforts” to blame fans afterwards, an investigation has found.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) published its report into the role of police in the disaster and its aftermath on Tuesday. Ninety-seven Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed at the 1989 FA Cup semifinal, when police opened an exit gate to the ground to alleviate crowding outside and failed to direct supporters away from the tunnel leading to the central pens.

The IOPC report upheld or found cases to answer for misconduct in 92 complaints about police actions. However, the law in place at the time means no officers will face disciplinary proceedings because they had all retired before investigations began.

Twelve police officers would have had a case to answer for gross misconduct in relation to the disaster and its aftermath if they were still serving.

This means that if a disciplinary panel found the allegations proven, they could have been dismissed. Legislation has now been changed so that retired officers can be subject to disciplinary proceedings

Nicola Brook, a solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter, acting for several bereaved families, said this report does not provide justice for those affected by the disaster as “no one will be held to account”.

She said: “This outcome may vindicate the bereaved families and survivors who have fought for decades to expose the truth - but it delivers no justice.