Hillsborough 25th anniversary marked

Liverpool came to a halt today to remember the 96 fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster 25 years ago.

The tragedy, which took place on the Leppings Lane terrace at Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield on April 15 1989, is Britain’s worst ever sporting disaster.

Today, families of the victims joined players and club representatives at Anfield for the annual memorial service.

Around 24,000 people attended the service, which began at 2.45pm.

Club manager Brendan Rodgers gave a reading at the service, along with Everton’s manager, Roberto Martinez.

Thousands of scarves were laid out on the pitch to form “96”, the number of people who lost their lives in the tragedy. They were donated from fans and clubs following an appeal from Liverpool.

Church bells in the city tolled 96 times at 3.06pm, marking the exact time Liverpool FC’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest was abandoned.

The city’s public transport was halted at 3.06pm and at the city’s main railway station, Lime Street, a huge screen displayed a photo of each of those who died in the disaster.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “This year marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Hillsborough tragedy and the families’ long fight for justice.

“Not only is it the 25th anniversary of the tragedy but we also have the start of fresh inquests into how the 96 lost their lives.

“We will never forget those who died at Hillsborough, and this is a day for us to unite as a city and remember each one, and also their families and friends left behind.

“I urge everyone in Liverpool, and across the region, to observe the minute’s silence, stand shoulder to shoulder and remember the 96 fans that went to a football match and never returned home.”

A new inquest into the tragedy will begin next week.

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