UK Home Secretary Theresa May made a statement in the House of Commons on Wednesday (27th April) following the conclusion of the Hillsborough inquests the previous day

SOUNDBITE: (English) Theresa May, British Home Secretary:

"Clearly the jury's determination that those who died were unlawfully killed is of great public importance. It overturns in the starkest way possible the verdict of accidental death returned at the original inquests. However, the jury's findings do not of course amount to a finding of criminal liability and no-one should impute criminal liability to anyone while the ongoing investigations are still pending."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Theresa May, British Home Secretary:

"The House will understand that I cannot comment in detail on matters that may lead to a criminal investigation. I can however, say that the offences under investigation include gross negligence, manslaughter, misconduct in public office, perverting the course of justice and perjury, as well as offences under the safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Theresa May, British Home Secretary:

"For 27 years the families and survivors of Hillsborough have fought for justice. They have faced hostility, opposition and obfuscation. And the authorities that should have been trusted have laid blame and tried to protect themselves instead of acting in the public interest. But the families have never faltered in their pursuit of the truth. Thanks to their actions they have brought about a proper reinvestigation and a thorough re-evaluation of what happened at Hillsborough. That they have done so is extraordinary. I am sure the whole House will want to join me in paying tribute to their courage, determination and resolve. And we should also remember those who have sadly passed away while waiting for justice."