Families hope to get one step closer towards justice

  • Granada
Families gathered at the Hillsborough memorial before travelling to London. Credit: Dave Thompson/PA wire

Families of the Hillsborough victims are on their way to London for a historic court hearing which they hope will bring them one step closer towards justice for their loved ones.

Three High Court judges will hear an application made by the Attorney General to quash the original verdicts of accidental death.

The now-discredited inquests ruled that all 96 Liverpool fans were dead by 3.15pm.

But an independent panel report made public in September revealed almost half could have survived.

Dozens of the victims' families gathered at the Hillsborough memorial at Anfield early this morning before making their way to London together.

Amy and Clare McGlone's father, Alan, died during the crush at the FA cup semi final in 1989.

They said they were both "excited and nervous" about the hearing.Amy said: "I think we're a bit anxious because we don't want to get overexcited after being let down so many times before. But I don't think we've ever been as close.

"We're excited and nervous at the same time."

Clare added: "It's the end of "accidental death" and that is really, really important to us."

Families paid their respects to loved ones before travelling to London. Credit: ITV Granada

When Eric Hankin's son Eric died in the disaster, he was wearing a ring his father had bought him for his 21st birthday.

Today Mr Hankin was wearing the ring, to mark a "special day."

He said: "I am very optimistic because I never expected this day. It's only through the Hillsborough family group and the panel and all the supporters, or we wouldn't be here today."

The hearing starts at 10.30am at the High Court. There is also a live video-link to the Family and Civil Courts in Liverpool.