MANY DEAD, BUT THE LIES LIVE ON.

The author was in the crowd at Hillsborough, Sheffield, on that fateful day in 1989, when a number of Liverpool football supporters were crushed to death following a stampede by late arrivals to the match. My place of observation was from the main stand, in line with the penalty area, at the Lepping's Lane End. My initial recollection was, in pointing out to one of my colleagues, the plight of a young blond haired boy, lying on the ground about 20 yards ahead; as suspected, we subsequently learned that he had died.

From our position, we couldn't see the the happenings at the entrance behind the stand in question; the surge, however, was hardly controlled. Nevertheless, as the spectators endeavoured to escape the mayhem, the police reacted, quite properly, by creating a cordon across the pitch, to stop any possible altercation between the two sets of fans. Many of whom would not have recognised the cause of the mounting disaster. A dreadful disaster, where the supporters ensconced in apparent safety, having arrived in good time for the kick-off, were trampled, many to death, by marauding late comers.

What we should be told, quite openly, was the reason for all these late arrivals? I'm sure this question should have arisen at the ongoing inquests and discussions. Were there hold-ups which had delayed coaches and transport in general? Did the stampeding mob consist of 100% ticket holders? Had they threatened to run amok in the city centre, to cause a different type of mayhem? Something which many in authority would reveal, is a regular threat by incensed crowds, when being denied one's desire.

The crux of the dreadful consequences of that day lay in the re-opening of the entrance gates at Lepping's Lane, probably brought about by the pressure mounting against the wrought iron gates and fencing, because this is where the disaster could have occurred. We are not suggesting here, that had the ugly scenes should have been retained at that point, which would have culminated in severe injury and possible death, would have been preferable. It would, however, have saved the the innocent legitimate supporters, many of whom died.

The following Wednesday, having noticed on the Midland's News that the Worcester police force had been chosen to head the investigation into the tragedy, I rang the number displayed on the TV screen. My call was met with appreciation, giving the impression that I could be helpful; as you might have guessed, that was the last I heard from them.

There were many mistakes made that day, but ask yourself this: As a police officer observing the mob crushing others against the railings, what would you have done?

WHY DO PEOPLE NEED TO BE HERDED BY POLICE? INCIDENTLY, THERE APPEARED TO BE A QUICK RESPONSE BY THE AMBULANCE EMERGENCY SERVICE.