Police chief admits failure to close tunnel 'caused' 96 Hillsborough deaths

THE top police officer on the day of the Hillsborough disaster has admitted his failure to close a tunnel "was the direct cause of the deaths" of 96 football fans, inquests heard today.

David Duckenfield gave evidenceGETTY • REUTERS

Former police chief David Duckenfield continued to give evidence at the Hillsborough inquests today

David Duckenfield, 70, also accepted he “froze” as police responded to the unfolding disaster, at the Sheffield stadium in 1989.

The former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent, questioned on his sixth day of giving evidence at the new Hillsborough inquests in Warrington, Cheshire, said it was a “distinct possibility” that he “froze” before he ordered the opening of an exit gate to relieve congestion outside the stadium's Leppings Lane turnstile.

Ninety-six Liverpool fans died after crushing at the FA Cup semi final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, held at the Hillsborough ground.

The now-retired police chief was questioned by Paul Greaney QC, representing the Police Federation of England and Wales.

Mr Duckenfield said he had 'no idea' that Liverpool fans would then head for a tunnel that led to the already-packed terraces

In a lengthy round of questioning, Mr Greaney asked whether the former policeman agreed “closing the tunnel would have prevented that and therefore would have prevented the tragedy".

Mr Duckenfield replied: "Yes sir."

Mr Greaney continued: "[Do you agree] that failure was the direct cause of the deaths of 96 persons in the Hillsborough tragedy."

Mr Duckenfield responded: "Yes sir."

The inquest heard that Mr Duckenfield told the 1989 Taylor Inquiry - an earlier probe into the disaster - that he had made the right decisions on the day, but he now accepted that he had made errors.

Mr Duckenfield, who has previously suffered from post-traumatic stress, said he may have been “confused” when giving evidence at that inquest. 

The jury today heard Mr Duckenfield had at least three minutes to "consider the consequences" of opening an exit gate at the stadium, as crowds built up outside.

But Mr Duckenfield said he had "no idea" that Liverpool fans would then head for a tunnel that led to the already-packed terraces.

The inquests into the deaths of the 96 fans continues.

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