Solicitors in Hillsborough proceedings investigated

The role and conduct of solicitors involved in legal proceedings after the Hillsborough disaster is to be investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The body said it has considered last week's report by the Hillsborough Independent Panel and decided to launch an inquiry.

The SRA, which regulates more than 120,000 solicitors in England and Wales, has not received any formal complaints about the conduct of solicitors involved in Hillsborough legal proceedings.

But it said the issues from the report impact on public confidence in the legal profession and so should be investigated.

SRA executive director Samantha Barrass said: "We have considered the material in the public domain, including the Hillsborough Independent Panel Report, and have decided to begin an investigation.

"The issues arising from the report impact on the public's confidence in the legal profession and we will undertake a thorough investigation of those issues.

"The first step is to begin a detailed review of all relevant evidence arising from the report and from the various proceedings."