The Taylor Inquiry was promptly set up to investigate the causes of the disaster and to seek to prevent similar events occurring. It was followed by inquests and a criminal investigation.
However, the families of those who died in the disaster, survivors and other campaigners have long maintained that these previous investigations were unsatisfactory and that the truth about what happened that day had not yet emerged. Their campaign led to several appeals, reviews and other judicial processes, including a private prosecution, in which one of the officers on trial for manslaughter and misconduct in public office (Supt Murray) was acquitted and the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the same charges against Ch Supt Duckenfield.
The campaign continued and in 2010 led to the formation of the Hillsborough Independent Panel (HIP), to oversee maximum possible public disclosure of information related to the disaster. In 2012, the HIP published a report to explain how the information that had been disclosed through its work added to public understanding of the tragedy and its aftermath. The HIP Report identified material that had not been considered by previous investigations and inquiries into the disaster. This material raised new questions about how people died, whether the disaster could have been prevented and how the police acted in the aftermath of the disaster.
The Hillsborough disaster refers to events at the FA Cup Semi-Final football match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium on 15 April 1989. A devastating crush developed on the West Terrace at the Leppings Lane end of the stadium, which resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters. In addition, hundreds were injured and many more left traumatised by the events.
SYP was responsible for the police operation at the Semi-Final. The actions of the force, and its officers, in relation to the disaster have been examined in several previous investigations.
This report provides an overview of the evidence gathered by two linked investigations into the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath:
a police-led investigation, known as Operation Resolve, into the disaster itself
an investigation by the IOPC into police conduct in the aftermath of the disaster
The report aims to add to public understanding of the disaster and its aftermath, specifically in relation to the actions of the police forces involved. By setting out the evidence gathered, it aims to help answer allegations of potential police misconduct.
