New Appeal into Hillsborough Disaster

17 September 2013, 16:18 | Updated: 17 September 2013, 16:20

The IPCC want to speak to 12,000 people who gave eye-witness accounts

The Independent Police Complaints Commission, who are undertaking the largest ever investigation into police misconduct, have launched a new appeal looking at the inquiry carried out by West Midlands Police.

96 Liverpool fans died after a massive crush at the Sheffield Wednesday football ground in 1989.  A year ago the Hillsborough Independent Panel proved that there had been a coverup by the police, trying to shift blame for the tragedy onto the fans.

Speaking at their base in Warrington, the IPCC say that questionnaires filled in in the aftermath of the disaster, don't correspond to statements written later by officers working for West Midlands Police.

Senior Investigator Chris Mahaffey has been telling Heart: "There could be some perfectly logical explanation why that has happened, that's what we need to find out.

"It doesn't matter if they were in the Leppings Lane End, just standing on a street corner, if they gave an account to West Midlands Police, I need them to come forward."

IPCC Deputy Chair Deborah Glass said: "We know thousands of people gave eyewitness accounts to that investigation.

"We want to speak to those people about their experiences of dealing with West Midlands Police.

"We also know some of you have never been able to give your account. This is your opportunity.

"I know this will be difficult for many of you.

"It will be difficult for you to recount these incredibly traumatic events. I know, for many of you, Saturday 15th April 1989 was, by far, the worst day of your life. I know many of you still carry deeply painful memories.

"It will be difficult for you to put your trust in the establishment after being let down so often in the past.

"It will be difficult for you to believe that after 24 years what you say can make a difference.

"But we need your help. And your help will make a difference.

"I can assure you we want everyone to have a voice.

If you gave an account to West Midlands Police a dedicated online witness appeal form can be found at www.ipcc.gov.uk/Hillsborough-witness-appeal

Or call 0300 200 0003