Leak inquiry into Hillsborough papers

A LEAK inquiry is under way into the early publication of documents relating to the Hillsborough disaster.

Home Secretary Theresa May told MPs the Cabinet Office was investigating how documents made their way to the BBC last week. Reports said Margaret Thatcher had been told by a senior Merseyside Police officer in 1989 that drunken Liverpool fans had caused the disaster, in which 96 died.

Thousands of documents relating to the tragedy are being reviewed by the Hillsborough Independent Panel in advance of their publication to families.

Steve Rotherham, Labour MP for Liverpool Walton, raised the issue, saying: “There are many who believe this leak could only have come from a senior politician.”

Mrs May said: “I share the concerns which have been expressed … in relation to the impact leaks of this sort have on what is a very sensitive matter in relation to ensuring the full information is put together by the Hillsborough panel and information in any document I believe should be shown to the families first.”