THE DAMNING report into the Hillsborough disaster has laid bare a shocking cover-up that attempted to shift the blame for the tragedy on to its victims.

Yesterday, the families of the 96 Liverpool fans killed 23 years ago said the report had vindicated them, but pledged to carry on their fight by pursuing criminal prosecutions against those who they said should “hang their heads in shame”.

Prime Minister David Cameron led a chorus of apologies – including from former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie, current Sun editor Dominic Mohan and the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) Chief Constable – and said that Attorney General Dominic Grieve will review the report as quickly as possible in order to decide whether to apply to the High Court to quash the original, flawed inquest and order a new one.

Ninety-six Liverpool supporters died in a crush at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium on April 15, 1989, where their team were to meet Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup semi-final.

Introducing the report to the Hillsborough families at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool, Bishop James Jones, the Bishop of Liverpool and chairman of the panel, said: “The documents disclosed to and analysed by the panel show that the tragedy should never have happened.

“There were clear operational failures in response to the disaster and in its aftermath there were strenuous attempts to deflect the blame onto the fans.”

The panel’s report found:

  • There were clear operational failures in response to the disaster and up to 41 fans could potentially have survived;
  • The then chief constable of South Yorkshire Peter Wright and his officers, with the help of local Tory MP Irvine Patnick, sought to cover up the failings, briefing media that drunken, ticketless fans and violence were to blame;
  • There was “no evidence that fans had conspired to arrive late at the stadium” and “no evidence that they stole from the dead and dying”;
  • Police “doctored” 116 official statements “to remove or alter comments unfavourable to SYP”;
  • South Yorkshire Ambulance Service documents were “subject to the same process”;
  • An attempt was made to “impugn the reputations of the deceased by carrying out Police National Computer checks on those with a nonzero alcohol level”;
  • Blood alcohol levels were tested in some survivors as well as in all those who died. In some there was “no apparent medical reason for the test” and no record was kept; 
  • Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher voiced concern that a 1990 report into the Hillsborough disaster constituted a “devastating criticism”of police.

Hillsborough Families Support Group chairman Trevor Hicks, who lost two daughters at Hillsborough, said they would now press for criminal action against those involved in the disaster, adding: “The truth is out today, justice starts tomorrow.”

Michael Mansfield QC, who is representing the families, said it was obvious from the report that “criminal liability – for which there is no time limit – is on the cards” and that as many as half a dozen people could potentially be brought to justice.

The chief constable of SYP, David Crompton, said in a statement: “In the immediate aftermath senior officers sought to change the record of events. Disgraceful lies were told which blamed the Liverpool fans for the disaster.

“I am profoundly sorry for the way the force failed on April 15, 1989, and I am doubly sorry for the injustice that followed and I apologise to the families of the 96 and Liverpool fans.”

Prime Minister David Cameron told MPs: “On behalf of the Government – and indeed our country – I am profoundly sorry for this double injustice that has been left uncorrected for so long.”