Wednesday 28 June 2017 15:07, UK
Relatives of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster have reacted positively to the news that criminal charges are going to be brought against six individuals.
Those charged include the police commander on the day, David Duckenfield, who is accused of gross negligence manslaughter in the deaths of 95 men, women and children. Prosecutors declined to charge the manslaughter of the 96th casualty because he died four years after the April 15, 1989 tragedy.
"The Hillsborough families have waited 28 years for justice. Some of the truth was exposed by the independent panel and some [by] the inquest jury on April 26, 2016," the Hillsborough families' lawyer Marcia Willis-Stewart said in a statement.
"Now we await the results from the long overdue process of accountability - accountability being key and at the heart.
"The families are sensitive to the issues of fairness and due process and no one wishes to prejudice or jeopardise it."
Margaret Aspinall, the chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, said the Crown Prosecution Service's decision was the beginning of the end.
Surrounded by other families who lost loved ones in the disaster, she told reporters: "Every time we have been knocked down we have been determined to come back stronger."
Barry Devonside, whose 18-year-old son Christopher was killed in the tragedy, pumped his fist as he emerged from a meeting with the Crown Prosecution Service in Warrington.
He said: "Everybody applauded when it was announced that the most senior police officer on that particular day will have charges presented to him.
"I was frightened we were going to be let down again. We have been smacked in the face on a number of occasions. The families have acted with the utmost of dignity."
Trevor Hicks, whose daughters Sarah and Vicki were killed, added: "This is a success for society at large, not just for us."
Evelyn McDonnell Mills lost her brother Peter at the match in 1989.
"I'm really happy that we've finally got some charges after 28 years," she said.
Ms McDonnell Mills added that the CPS decision was tinged with sadness, as her brother Gerard has passed away without being able to see justice.
Politicians have also praised the "exemplary" campaign led by families of those who lost their lives at the FA Cup semi-final.
Theresa May told MPs in the Commons that she welcomes the fact that charging decisions have been made after "many years of waiting" for Hillsborough families.
The Prime Minister said: "I know from working closely with the families when I was home secretary that this will be a day of mixed emotions for them."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "This prosecution, the inquiry, and this development only happened because of the incredible work done by the Hillsborough Justice campaign.
"I think we should pay tribute to all of those who spent a great deal of time trying to ensure there was justice for those who died at Hillsborough."
The Liberal Democrats' shadow home secretary, Sir Ed Davey, expressed hope that the establishment has learned lessons from Hillsborough.
"Justice for the victims of the Hillsborough has been a slow and torturous process that has stained the reputation of our police," he said.
"The cover-up and lies have caused untold anguish for the families and it is right that those responsible will be forced to face justice."
