Hillsborough: 250 former West Midlands Police workers contacted over force 'cover-up' claims
More than 250 former West Midlands police officers and staff have been contacted over allegations the force was part of a cover-up over the Hillsborough Disaster, it has been revealed.
The police watchdog has taken 161 statements from ex-West Midlands personnel as part of its huge investigation into the 1989 tragedy which saw 96 Liverpool fans killed.
West Midlands Police was called in to investigate the disaster and the role of South Yorkshire Police.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) also revealed that 19 people from the force declined to assist its inquiry and a further nine were unable to help on health grounds.
And 27 people the watchdog wished to speak to had since died.
It is believed around five former officers are under individual investigation according to sources. A total of 258 people linked to the force have been contacted by investigators.
The IPCC is investigating allegations of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, perverting the course of justice, perjury, and misconduct in public office.
Walsall North MP David Winnick, a member of the influential Home Affairs Select Committee, said: "What is essential is a thorough inquiry that leaves no questions unanswered.
"We must know the full facts of what went on and know precisely whether West Midlands Police had done everything correctly and, if not, why not and who was responsible.
"Hillsborough was a dark day in the history of this country and there has been plagued with dishonesty and deceit.
"I don't take a prejudicial view on what role West Midlands Police played, but what I do say is that we need all the facts to be released."
A fresh inquest concluded last week that 96 people were unlawfully killed at the FA Cup semi-final on April 15, 1989. They included West Bromwich-born David Birtle, who lived in Cannock, and Sarah and Victoria Hicks, the daughters of Kingswinford businessman Trevor Hicks.
The verdicts brought vindication for Liverpool fans after 27 years after South Yorkshire Police had acted to blame drunk and disorderly fans for the disaster in Sheffield.
Now two huge criminal investigations are looking at whether criminal charges should be brought against individuals or organisations.
Those investigated include West Midlands and South Yorkshire police, Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service.
Files are set to be handed to prosecutors at the end of the year with the Crown Prosecution Service expected to take between three and six months to make a decision over whether any charges are forthcoming.
Relatives of the disaster victims have also launched legal action in the High Court against West Midlands and South Yorkshire Police for damages.
West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of loved ones who died and were injured in the Hillsborough tragedy.
"We recognise the impact the inquests have brought upon them.
"We aware of the ongoing proceedings."
