Hillsborough Investigation

The biggest ever inquiry into police actions in the UK is to be launched over allegations of a cover-up after the Hillsborough disaster.

Police watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said a large number of serving and former officers will be investigated over what happened on the day of the tragedy in 1989, and during the alleged cover-up afterwards. 

Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer also said he will look at whether any individual or corporate body should be charged over the football stadium disaster, which left 96 people dead. 

Both South Yorkshire Police, who dealt with the tragedy, and West Midlands Police, who investigated how South Yorkshire handled the disaster, will come under scrutiny. 

Here's a statement from West Midlands Police Chief Constable Chris Sims: "I welcome today's decision by the IPCC to look into the role of West Midlands Police following the tragedy at Hillsborough in 1989. 

"As Chief Constable I read the Hillsborough Independent Panel Report and immediately referred West Midlands Police to the IPCC. 

"Today, the IPCC have accepted that referral and West Midlands Police will give their full support to the IPCC investigation."