Sheffield and Liverpool councils have welcomed the conclusions of an inquest into the Hillsborough disaster that left 96 fans dead.

The jurors found the victims were unlawfully killed and highlighted police failures before and after the 1989 FA Cup semi-final.

Liverpool is today holding a commemoration event that will be led by the mayor Joe Anderson and attended by family members of the 96 people who lost their lives.

Speaking yesterday, mayor Anderson said: ‘Tomorrow’s commemorative event at St George’s Hall is an opportunity for the city to come together with the families and campaigners and show the world the overwhelming spirit of comradeship and solidarity that exists in this city towards them.

Referring to the struggles of relatives to learn what happened during the match on 15 April 1989, the mayor continued:

‘So many people have been touched by their struggle over nearly three decades. They are an example to everyone who seeks out truth and justice and tomorrow’s event is a chance for the city to say ‘thank you’ to them and to remember the lives of their loved ones.’

John Mothersole, chief executive of Sheffield City Council, also welcomed the verdict of the inquest and apologised for errors made regarding the safety of Hillsborough Stadium.

‘I very much hope that these findings will bring some peace to the families of the 96 people who tragically died that day,’ he said.

‘The fifteenth of April 1989 is a dark day in the history of both Sheffield and Liverpool and we are truly sorry for the losses the families have endured. As always our thoughts and sympathies are with them above all.

‘We have always accepted and continue to accept our errors in the safety certification of Hillsborough Stadium in 1989. We unreservedly apologised for those failings and we repeat that apology.’

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