The IPCC has welcomed the news that new inquests will be held into the deaths of 96 people at Hillsborough and that former Durham Constabulary Chief Constable Jon Stoddart has been appointed to lead the investigation into those deaths.
IPCC Deputy Chair Deborah Glass said: "Today's announcements are welcome news. The complex and multi-faceted investigations into the Hillsborough disaster are taking shape. The IPCC has been making progress in laying the foundations for our independent investigation into the aftermath and the future investigation into the tragic deaths of 96 people. The appointment of Mr Stoddart to lead the investigation into the deaths is a crucial step. His investigation will be into a wide range of agencies outside of the IPCC's remit, but, in order to ensure independence from the police service, we will be managing the element which will look at the actions of police officers in relation to the deaths of the 96 men, women and children. This means that the IPCC will have direction and control of this part of the investigation.
"The two investigations will be closely integrated and will be based in the new offices the IPCC has secured in Warrington. They will share a major incident room with full access to the underlying documentation, and will offer a single point of contact for liaison with the families.
"This is not going to be quick and easy process. But we now have a clear path ahead with all the investigative and prosecutorial bodies working in a coordinated way to complete the full picture for the families of those who died, those who were injured and those who were traumatised by the terrible events at Hillsborough.”
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