Hillsborough 'challenge panel' set up

The independent panel, which will consist of three experts, will look at the progress being made in the inquiries by the IPCC and Operation Resolve.

The panel will consist of criminologists Dr Silvia Casale and Prof Roger Graef, and retired Court of Appeal judge, Sir Stephen Sedley.

Their task will be to work separately from the IPCC and Operation Resolve to ensure they meet key timescales and look at how they communicate with the families of the 96 who lost their lives in the 1989 disaster.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: "We are pleased to confirm that Dr Silvia Casale, Prof Roger Graef and Sir Stephen Sedley will form a reference group for the investigations surrounding the Hillsborough disaster.

"The group's purpose is to ensure the families' rights under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights which requires public accountability and the appropriate participation of the families of those who died to safeguard their interests during the investigations.

"The reference group's work will not impinge on the conduct of the resumed inquests; this is an independent judicial process that cannot be subject to review by others.

"Whilst the inquests are on-going, the reference group of independent experts will monitor the progress of the investigations through regular meetings with the CPS, IPCC and the Operation Resolve investigation team at which they can also raise issues of concern to the families.

"The group aims to meet bi-monthly. It will have a secretariat provided by the CPS but will function independently."