CRIMINAL charges are under consideration after files investigating the tragic deaths of 96 Liverpool FC fans at Hillsborough including four fans from Warrington have now been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The news has been confirmed by Broudie Jackson Canter solicitors who represented the families of 20 of the victims throughout the inquest last year.

This is after the findings of the Independent Police Complaints Commission - which is the biggest criminal investigation into alleged police misconduct conducted in England and Wales - and Operation Resolve were passed to the CPS.

Prosecutors must now decide whether the 23 unnamed individuals and organisations face criminal proceedings.

Elkan Abrahamson, director, said: "Our clients are relieved that files have finally gone to the CPS to consider criminal proceedings against 23 individuals and organisations.

"Given that the CPS have been working in tandem with the police and the IPCC for many years we believe decisions should now be taken without further delay.

"We will continue to scrutinise the process and any decisions."

After two years of evidence heard at a coroner's court set up in Birchwood, a jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing on April 26 after an FA Cup match at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough ground turned into a disaster claiming the lives of 96 fans and leaving hundreds more injured.

This included 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.

But the families continue to fight for justice following the tragic events that unfolded during the semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on Saturday 15 April, 1989.

The loved ones of the victims have campaigned for more than 25 years to have individuals or public bodies held to account.

There are believed to be a number of charges being considered including gross negligence manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, misconduct in a public office and offences under the Safety at Sports Grounds Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act.

To read the reaction to the verdict click here.