The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has informed families of victims that police officers involved in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster will not face misconduct charges, despite acknowledging that some officers attempted to deflect blame for the tragedy.
The watchdog’s decision concludes a lengthy investigation that began in 2013, focusing on the role of South Yorkshire Police and others following the fatal crush on 15 April 1989 at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, which resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters.
Families of the victims, who have waited decades for full accountability, have expressed disappointment at the outcome.
A spokesperson for the IOPC said:
“While our investigation found evidence of attempts by some officers to shift responsibility, we concluded that there is no case to answer for gross misconduct under current regulations.”
Campaigners and legal experts continue to call for reforms to how police conduct is assessed in major public disasters, amid ongoing demands for transparency and justice.
