AFTER 27 agonising years the victims, relatives, next of kin and Liverpool Football Club got the justice for the 96 people who were killed in the Hillsborough disaster.

South Yorkshire Police, the ambulance service and the establishment ruthlessly denied any wrong doing or criticism and handling of the situation that happened on April 15, 1989.

The investigation after the disaster by West Midlands Police led by Mervyn Jones, who was the former chief constable of Cheshire from 1992 to 1997, was a sham.

Within two years of the disaster there was an inquest into the 96 fans’ deaths.

The cause of deaths were not verified and there was no criticism of the police or ambulance service.

The truth was swept under the carpet for 27 years – an absolute disgrace.

As a retired police officer I am ashamed at the actions of the police who initially investigated the disaster because they failed the relatives and public to get to the truth that probably would have only taken five years at the most.

Instead they caused unnecessary pain, trauma and disrespect to the fans of Liverpool Football Club and the people of Liverpool.

I hope the relatives can now rest in peace that the truth has been established and the people responsible for the serious failings in this case now face prosecutions and the imprisonment they deserve.

GARY BEBBINGTON Grappenhall