FORMER chief superintendent David Duckenfield faces a manslaughter charge over the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

Five others will also be prosecuted after 96 men, women and children were killed at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final.

Duckenfield, who was the match commander for South Yorkshire Police on the day of the disaster, faces the charge of manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 fans.

For legal reasons, Duckenfield cannot be charged over the death of the 96th victim Tony Bland.

Prosecutors say this is because he died four years after the disaster.

Former chief inspector Norman Bettison is accused of four counts of misconduct in public office relating to alleged lies he told in the aftermath about the culpability of fans.

Former South Yorkshire Police officers Donald Denton and Alan Foster, as well as force solicitor Peter Metcalf, are charged with doing acts with intent to pervert the course of justice.

Former Sheffield Wednesday secretary Graham Mackrell is charged with three offences relating to health and safety as well as safety at the sports ground.

The announcement was made today at Parr Hall in Warrington where many of the victims' families gathered to hear the charging decision.

A number of TV crew vans have been parked outside the Parr Hall this morning waiting for the decision.

Four of the victims were from Warrington including Ian ‘Ronnie’ Whelan, of Duckworth Grove, Padgate, David Benson, aged 22, of Hall Nook, Penketh, Colin Ashcroft, of Strawberry Close, Locking Stumps and Eric Hughes, aged 42, of Barmouth Close, Callands.

Operation Resolve, which investigated the causes of the disaster, and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) passed files of evidence relating to 23 suspects, including individuals and organisations, to the CPS earlier this year.

Prior to the news, Margaret Aspinall, chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, said: "It is going to be a day of mixed emotions for the families and we have had so many of them.

"Whatever happens, I still think it will be a long road, but the families are determined to never give up.

"All we want is accountability, nothing more and nothing less."

Last year, new inquests found the 96 were unlawfully killed in the disaster, which happened at the match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said it would be a 'monumental day in the fight for justice'.

He said: "It is a day that many thought would never come and a day that, on more than one occasion, seemed impossible.

"The uncompromising determination and fight from the families and campaigners over the last 28 years has been an example to the rest of the country that sometimes, the impossible is achievable."

He said there was still 'a way to go' before justice was achieved.

He said: "We have to allow that process to happen and trust that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions."