Liverpool welcome new investigation

Liverpool welcomed the announcement of "massive" investigations into the Hillsborough disaster as a significant step in the campaign for justice for the families and survivors.

The new investigation will study possible crimes committed by South Yorkshire police officers and others in relation to the disaster.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool's managing director, said: "We welcome today's announcement by the Independent Police Complaints Commission and Director of Public Prosecutions. This is another significant step forward in the campaign for justice for Hillsborough families and survivors."

He went on: "We will follow the progress of this investigation and remain resolute in our support of the families and survivors as they continue with their battle to bring those responsible for the tragedy to justice."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission and Director of Public Prosecutions announced on Friday they will study evidence relating to how the 96 fans died and decide if there should be any charges of manslaughter, perjury, or perverting the course of justice.

The IPCC and DPP will also look into whether there was a cover-up by the police officers who investigated the handling of the Hillsborough.

Officers will also be investigated to see whether they perverted the course of justice by providing incorrect information to journalists, which led to incorrect newspaper stories that Liverpool fans had robbed dead bodies and urinated on officers during the tragic events of April 15 1989.