Newsuk sportuk footballHillsborough

Hillsborough: Theresa May Could Pursue Families' 'Spy' Claims

Theresa May Could Pursue Hillsborough Families' Claims They Were Spied On
The Huffington Post UK/PA

The police watchdog will pursue concerns that families of Hillsborough victims were spied on if evidence emerges, Home Secretary Theresa May has said.

Mrs May said the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) had received no formal complaint or allegation but was aware of the concerns.

The IPCC is conducting its biggest-ever investigation which focuses largely on police actions after the tragedy that left 96 football fans dead, MPs heard.

Mrs May added police forces could be ordered to release all documents connected to the disaster if investigators encounter problems.

Open Image Modal

May has promised to pursue claims if evidence emerges

Addressing the concerns over undercover surveillance of families, Mrs May told MPs: "No formal complaint or allegation has been made to the IPCC but it is aware of the concerns and it is considering how it should best address those concerns.

"Of course, it is reviewing the material in relation to Hillsborough so if they discover any evidence in their investigation that suggests surveillance may have taken place of the sort that's been suggested then they will of course pursue that evidence."

The disaster occurred during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium on April 15 1989.

Mrs May made the comments in response to questions from shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper following a statement to update the Commons on the progress of two investigations into the circumstances of the incident.

Hillsborough Tragedy
Hillsborough(01 of18)
Open Image Modal
LIVERPOOL SUPPORTERS ARE HELPED AFTER BEING CRUSHED AGAINST THE SAFETY (credit:PA)
Hillsborough(02 of18)
Open Image Modal
Fan in despair after the Hillsborough Disaster (credit:PA)
Hillsborough Tragedy(03 of18)
Open Image Modal
Fans leave the ground after the disaster (credit:PA)
Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Hillsborough(04 of18)
Open Image Modal
One of the fans who came to see the semi -final between Nottingham Forest & Liverpool, is led away after surviving the disaster (credit:PA)
Hillsborough Tragedy(05 of18)
Open Image Modal
The injured are carried away on boards by fans who came to see a game of football (credit:PA)
Hillsborough(06 of18)
Open Image Modal
Fans try to get away from the crush of the crowd as they pour into the ground (credit:PA)
Hillsborough papers published(07 of18)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 15/04/1989 of Liverpool fans trying to escape severe overcrowding during the FA Cup semi-final football match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough. The families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today. (credit:PA)
Hillsborough papers published(08 of18)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 15/04/1989 of a Liverpool fan at Hillsborough after their FA Cup semi-final football match against Nottingham Forest. The families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today. (credit:PA)
Hillsborough papers published(09 of18)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 22/10/11 of a banner in memory of those who died in the Hillsborough tragedy at Anfield, as the families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today. (credit:PA)
Hillsborough papers published(10 of18)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 15/04/2011 of a Hillsborough banner at Anfield, as the families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today. (credit:PA)
Hillsborough papers published(11 of18)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 15/4/2009 of a hans paying tribute at the Hillsborough Memorial in Liverpool. he families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today. (credit:PA)
Liverpool Prepares For Hillsborough Disclosure Day(12 of18)
Open Image Modal
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: The Hillsborough memorial is covered with tributes at Anfield Stadium, the home of Liverpool Football Club on September 10, 2012 in Liverpool, England. On Wednesday relatives and friends of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough football stadium tragedy in Sheffield on 15 April 1989 will see the full disclosure of all documents relating to the disaster when they are made public at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool Prepares For Hillsborough Disclosure Day(13 of18)
Open Image Modal
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: The Hillsborough memorial is covered with tributes at Anfield Stadium, the home of Liverpool Football Club on September 10, 2012 in Liverpool, England. On Wednesday relatives and friends of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough football stadium tragedy in Sheffield on 15 April 1989 will see the full disclosure of all documents relating to the disaster when they are made public at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hillsborough papers to be published(14 of18)
Open Image Modal
The front cover of 'With Hope In Your Heart' written by 51 year old Chris Whittle who lives in Burnley. (credit:PA)
Hillsborough papers published(15 of18)
Open Image Modal
Hillsborough Family Support Group members during a press conference at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral after the release of previously unpublished papers realting to the Hillsborough disaster. (credit:PA)
Hillsborough papers published(16 of18)
Open Image Modal
Hillsborough Family Support Group members Jenny Hicks (left) and Margaret Aspinall (right) during a press conference at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral after the release of previously unpublished papers realting to the Hillsborough disaster. (credit:PA)
Hillsborough papers published(17 of18)
Open Image Modal
Hillsborough Family Support Group member Margaret Aspinall, the mother of Hillsborough victim James Aspinall, during a press conference at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral after the release of previously unpublished papers realting to the Hillsborough disaster. (credit:PA)
Hillsborough papers published(18 of18)
Open Image Modal
Hillsborough Family Support Group member Trevor Hicks speaks during a press conference at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral after the release of previously unpublished papers realting to the Hillsborough disaster. (credit:PA)

One is being led by the IPCC while former Durham chief constable Jon Stoddart is leading Operation Resolve, a criminal investigation into the deaths.

Mrs May confirmed that more than 1,600 people had responded to the IPCC's witness appeal, including more than 250 people who have never given accounts before.

Around 400 witnesses have asked the watchdog to see their original statements while around 2,500 police pocket notebooks not previously made available to investigations are also being analysed, Mrs May added.

On the disclosure of documents from police forces, Mrs May said the Hillsborough Independent Panel examined around 450,000 documents and noted they did an "extremely good job".

She said: "But I think everybody has been perhaps not surprised but disappointed that there have been further documents that have come forward as a result of the two investigations, particularly documents like the police pocket notebooks."

Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip