THE POLICE CHIEF constable of South Yorkshire Police has been suspended with immediate effect following the Hillsborough inquest findings.
David Crompton yesterday admitted the force got the policing of the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest ’catastrophically wrong’ after a jury concluded the 96 victims of the 1989 disaster were unlawfully killed.
The families of the 96 had called on Crompton to resign immediately while Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham described his position as ‘untenable’.
Dr Alan Billings, the force’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said he had no choice but to suspend Crompton, who was due to retire from duty in November.
“I have been left with no choice other than to suspend David from his duties as chief constable of South Yorkshire police,” he said.
“I have reached this decision with a heavy heart following discussions with David both in the run-up to and following the delivery of the Hillsborough verdicts.”My decision is based on the erosion of public trust and confidence referenced in statements and comments in the House of Commons this lunchtime, along with public calls for the chief constable’s resignation from a number of quarters.”
South Yorkshire Police were accused of ‘retelling discredited lies’ during the inquests.
Speaking outside court on Tuesday, Crompton said the force accept the conclusion of unlawful killing and the wider findings of the inquest.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that we unequivocally accept the verdict of unlawful killing and the wider findings reached by the jury in the Hillsborough Inquest,” he said.
A candlelight vigil to pay tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who tragically lost their lives at Hillsborough will be held in Liverpool city centre this evening.
More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the special commemoration event in St George’s plateau.
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