Birmingham pub bombings: Families left 'frustrated and disappointed' after meeting for inquest funding

Families of some of the Birmingham pub bombings victims said they feel "frustrated and disappointed" after their meeting with the Home Secretary.

Families of nine of the 21 victims who died in the attack in 1974 met with the Amber Rudd today to state their case.

But they've been told they've got to wait to find out whether the government will pay for legal funding into their deaths.

The meeting came after senior coroner for Birmingham and Solihull Louise Hunt's landmark decision in June that fresh inquests should take place.

Legal representatives have so far been working without charge, but families say funding is urgently needed for their upcoming legal bid for answers.

Julie Hambleton of the Justice4the21 campaign, lost her 18-year-old sister Maxine in the bombings at the Mulberry Bush and Tavern In The Town pubs:

A pre-inquest review into the bombings is due to be held in October but a full inquest is not expected to until next year.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "The meeting was private and was to enable the Home Secretary to hear from the families directly. A decision about funding legal costs will be announced in due course."

A representative of the law firm, representing the families, said it would continue for as long as it was sustainable.