HILLSBOROUGH investigators have issued an appeal to track down a number of people who assisted some of the 96 Liverpool fans that died in the 1989 disaster.

A number of CCTV images have been released - with possibly more to follow in the coming weeks - in order to aid the ongoing inquests at Warrington.

On behalf of the Coroner Sir John Goldring, the images have been released by Operation Resolve which was set up by Home Secretary Theresa May to investigate whether any individual or organisation is criminally culpable for their part in the disaster.

The officer in overall command of Operation Resolve, Assistant Commissioner Jon Stoddart, said: "It is important to stress that we believe these people can help the Coroner's inquest process.

"I know these pictures are 26 years old but if anyone does recognise the people we need to speak to then I would urge them to get in touch immediately.

"There are still many questions that the families of the 96 have and we believe that these people may be able to provide answers to some of those questions.

"I have a team of highly trained staff in place who will deal with witnesses sensitively as we understand how difficult some people will find this. 

"It is unusual to carry out an appeal of this nature during an ongoing legal process such as the inquests and for that reason I urge people to not pass comment on our appeal or any other aspect of the Hillsborough disaster on social media and forums."

The inquest continues to take place in Birchwood following the deaths of 96 football fans including 19-year-old Ian ‘Ronnie’ Whelan, of Duckworth Grove, Padgate, David Benson, aged 22, of Hall Nook, Penketh, 19-year-old Colin Ashcroft, of Strawberry Close, Locking Stumps and Eric Hughes, aged 42, of Barmouth Close, Callands.

Anyone who can identify any of the people in the images should call Operation Resolve on 08000 283 284 or via the website www.operationresolve.co.uk.