Hillsborough files release date set

The Hillsborough Independent Panel will disclose documents relating to the disaster and its aftermath to the families of those who died, on September 12, 2012.

Once the families have been informed of the panel's findings, disclosure will be made to the wider public.

The panel will also publish a report which explains how the disclosed documents add to public understanding.

The announcement was made via an official statement from the panel:

"The Hillsborough Independent Panel is now approaching the completion of its work of securing maximum possible disclosure of documents relating to the disaster and its aftermath.

"Disclosure, as it has been made clear, will be first to the Hillsborough families and then to the wider public.

"At the same time, in line with its terms of reference, the panel will publish its report explaining how the disclosed documents add to public understanding.

"The independent panel has accessed and analysed documents from over 80 organisations and running to over 400,000 pages.

"Earlier this year the panel announced that because it was still receiving new material it would complete its work in the autumn.

"The panel is on course to achieve this and announces today that the disclosure to families will take place on Wednesday September 12 in Liverpool.

"The panel hopes that by making this announcement it will give the bereaved families sufficient time to prepare for the disclosure.

"One of the panel's central objectives has been consultation with the bereaved families.

"At its first meeting in February 2010 it met representatives of the three family groups. The panel has also contacted those families not affiliated to the groups. It is the panel's intention that these consultations should continue.

"In due course the panel will contact each family to explain details of the disclosure arrangements."