IPCC update on Hillsborough
A 12th update on the investigation into Hillsborough by the Independent Police Complaints Commission has been released and quickly welcomed by MP and campaigner Steve Rotheram.
On Friday, IPCC deputy chair Rachel Cerfontyne provided the latest developments, including important news regarding document recovery, with four weeks until the new inquests begin on March 31.
Following her speech in the House of Commons earlier this month, Home Secretary Theresa May has offered to write to chief constables throughout the country, calling for full disclosure of any material relating to the disaster which occurred on April 15, 1989.
That offer has been accepted by the IPCC, and Rotheram backed the decision. He commented: "This is the right thing to do and I am delighted that the IPCC will now be provided with all police documentation pertaining to the Hillsborough disaster.
"It will mean unequivocally that this investigation will be the definitive conclusion to the biggest investigation into police misconduct in British history."
Cerfontyne's update also discusses allegations of surveillance of Hillsborough families and campaigners, the interviewing of officers and the ongoing appeal for witnesses from the day that 96 Liverpool supporters lost their lives.
As of February 20, 1,695 people had responded to the witness appeal, with almost 300 identified as never having provided an account before. Click here for further information on the appeal.
Rotheram added: "17 per cent of the respondents to the IPCC witness appeal are so far individuals who have never previously given evidence.
"Fresh evidence is vitally important in securing justice for the 96, so I am encouraging everyone and anyone who was at Hillsborough on that fateful day, to come forward and contact the IPCC as a matter of urgency."
The latest IPCC update can be accessed and downloaded in its entirety by clicking here.