In an historic day for the families of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989, the jury sitting on the Hillsborough inquests has returned a verdict of unlawful killing.
The verdict has been two years in the making and the jury answered ‘Yes’ to 13 of the 14 questions laid out by the coroner, Sir John Goldring, with the answer to question 6, ‘Are you satisfied, so that you are sure, that those who died in the disaster were unlawfully killed?’ raising cheers and cries from the families.
It was also found that the behaviour of fans in no way contributed to the ‘dangerous situation’, with the police and ambulance service considered to have ’caused or contributed’ to the disaster by error or omission.
The verdict finally vindicates the families of the 96, after a 27 year fight for justice.
The Crown Prosecution Service has since confirmed that, with today’s verdict in mind, the body will now consider whether any criminal charges will now be brought.