Hillsborough Gate C Appeal
Pictures of spectators who could have information for the criminal investigation into the day of the Hillsborough Disaster have been released.
Operation Resolve is today, Monday 3 August 2015, launching its Gate C Appeal, as part the ongoing inquiry to establish whether any individual or organisation is criminally culpable for their role leading up to and on the day of the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on Saturday 15 April 1989.
A dedicated webpage for this appeal, operationresolve.co.uk/gate-c-appeal, features the nine images released today of five men investigators would like to speak to.
These people could have information about the events leading up to the opening of Exit Gate C at 2.52pm.
While the investigation has taken hundreds of statements from fans who approached the 23 turnstiles that could be accessed from the Leppings Lane end of the stadium, detectives have so far been unable to trace a small number of people who could be seen at key times.
More pictures could therefore be issued as part of this appeal. All images released will be published on the Gate C Appeal webpage on Operation Resolve’s website.
This enquiry is separate to the ongoing witness appeal being carried out on behalf of HM Assistant Coroner, which is trying to find fans who came to the aid of the 96 people who lost their lives. Images for this appeal can still be found at operationresolve.co.uk/witness-appeal.
The Officer in Overall Command of Operation Resolve, Assistant Commissioner Jon Stoddart, said:
“I am leading a criminal investigation into the events of 15 April 1989. To meet the requirements of this inquiry we have needed as detailed as possible an understanding of what happened at the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough Stadium prior to kick-off.
“We have spoken to hundreds of witnesses including fans, police officers and Sheffield Wednesday Football Club staff who were there on that day. We have obtained further statements from previous inquiries and analysed audio-visual materials.
“Despite this there are still a small number of individuals seen on footage or photographs who we believe could add to our understanding of what happened.
“Today, I am asking these men or anyone that knows them to come forward. If this is you please call us.
“It may well be that for some reason people are concerned about getting in touch. Please don’t be. The aim of this appeal is to find answers and continue to build a clearer picture about events of the day. All information provided will be thoroughly researched by our team.
“My message to the people themselves is clear; we just want to know what you saw or heard.
“We believe the five men pictured may have important information concerning the events outside Exit Gate C, and this remains an investigative priority for us. We want to have as detailed an understanding as possible of the events outside the 23 turnstiles at the Leppings Lane end of the ground as well as the three exit gates, A, B and C, each of which were opened before kick-off.
“We are also investigating a number of other areas concerning the events of 15 April 1989, and remain committed to the supporting the inquest process with the same dedication that we have shown ever since HM Assistant Coroner sought our assistance.
“In this spirit I also draw people’s attention to the separate, ongoing witness appeal that was launched earlier this year to support the inquests. We still seek the identity of xx people in relation to this enquiry.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call Operation Resolve on 08000 283 284, or visit www.operationresolve.co.uk/gate-c-appeal.