FOLLOWING the\u00a0verdict of unlawful killing at the inquest into the Hillsborough disaster, Neil Bowles, Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation, has made this\u00a0statement.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cWe are pleased that the inquests have reached their conclusion and grateful to the jury for helping to bring some answers to the many people affected by the Hillsborough tragedy.<\/p>\n
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the families and friends of the 96 people who lost their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur members \u2013 ordinary officers – went to work that day in 1989 expecting a normal day, policing a football match, but walked into an unfolding disaster. They did their best and did their jobs in incredibly difficult circumstances on that day: they followed orders, and did what they were commanded to do by senior officers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen there were gaps in that command, they used their initiative to try to save lives. Today\u2019s policing standards \u2013 such as strict procedures, improved equipment and health and safety standards \u2013 were simply not in place 27 years ago, nor indeed the current ability and frameworks for junior officers to question senior officers\u2019 decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe officers we represent co-operated fully with the investigations and we have always been clear that what we wanted, above all, was to get to the truth of what happened on that day for all those concerned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe recognise the prolonged agony endured by the families. We also recognise that this was exacerbated by various accounts from some areas, comments which were deeply upsetting to the families. Nothing can turn the clock back and we know that more answers will be needed as the outcome of the inquests sink in. However we hope that today\u2019s outcome gives all those involved the final truth about what happened on that day. We must ensure lessons of the past are learned and that nothing like this ever happens again.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a staff association, representing rank and file officers we will continue to support our members in making sure that this is recognised and hope that they, too, can now try to move on from this horrific tragedy.\u201d<\/p>\n
(Photo from ITV)<\/p>\n