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Coroner orders fresh inquests into Birmingham pub bombings

New inquests are to be held into the deaths of 21 people who were killed in the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings.

The senior coroner for Birmingham and Solihull Louise Hunt announced the decision after several review hearings and receiving "significant" new information.

During the recent hearings, families of some of those killed in the blasts in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs put forward a claim that the British state had knowledge of the attacks planned by the IRA before they were carried out.

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Police support new Birmingham pub bombing inquests

The wreckage left at the underground Tavern. Credit: PA Wire

West Midlands Police have said the force will support the new inquests and admitted the botched investigation into the Birmingham pub bombing was "the most serious failing in this force's history".

New inquests are to be held into the deaths of 21 people who were killed in the Birmingham pub bombings in Birmingham City Centre in 1974.

The Birmingham Pub Bombings of 1974 are one of the most serious terrorist attacks in the UK.

West Midlands Police not only failed to catch those responsible but caused a miscarriage of justice.

I have said and reiterate again, it is the most serious failing in this force's history.

It is almost 42 years since these events. I understand families of those who lost their lives are frustrated, disappointed and angry.

– Chief Constable Dave Thompson
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Coroner orders fresh inquests into Birmingham pub bombings

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