Hillsborough inquest finds 96 fans who died were unlawfully killed

A jury has found the 96 fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster were unlawfully killed Credit: Peter Byrne / PA

The 96 Liverpool fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster were unlawfully killed, the inquests jury has concluded.

The jurors were told they could only reach that determination if they were sure of four "essential" matters concerning the deaths at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final:

  • that overall match commander Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield owed a duty of care to those who died in the disaster

  • that he was in breach of that duty of care

  • that his breach of duty caused the deaths

  • that it amounted to "gross negligence"

They concluded it was unlawful killing by a 7-2 majority.

The conclusion was greeted with sobbing and cheers at the hearing in Warrington.

More: Sports personalities and MPs react to the verdict

The jury also ruled that fan behaviour did not cause or contribute to the tragedy.

The Hillsborough disaster unfolded during Liverpool's cup tie against Nottingham Forest on April 15 as thousands of fans were crushed at Sheffield Wednesday's ground.

There were emotional scenes as families of those involved in the disaster hugged outside the court

The victims' families hugged each other and broke down in tears after emerging from the court.

One man shouted "Justice" while two men held up a red scarf that also read "Justice".

More: CPS, IPCC and Operation Resolve react to the verdict

Footballers including former Liverpool FC captain Jamie Carragher tweeted: