An important pre-inquest hearing over Hillsborough was told about missing video from police tapes and how a number of officers are refusing to assist with the inquiry.
Back in October Paul Weatherby QC, who represents 22 of the families on behalf of the HJC, suggested that an initial video analysis suggested crucial video footage taken by the Police had been 'edited'.
Today he highlighted an 'unexplained 10 minute gap' in the police video tapes.
Fresh inquests into the deaths of 96 fans will begin on March 31st 2014 in Warrington, a new inquest that that was sparked by the report of the Hillsborough Independent Panel last September.
The original flawed inquests in 1991 gave a verdict of 'accidental death'. This was quashed by the High Court last December.
Some police refusing to cooperate
A total of thirteen police officers, either former or serving, have refused to be interviewed by the independent police inquiry into Hillsborough. Another six have ignored requests.
Chris Williams QC, representing 74 families for the HFSG, also requested the names of the 240 Police Officers who had their official statements edited by the police. The IPCC has already interviewed 143 of these officers.
The IPCC suggested that these names could not be released for 'operational reasons'. However the Judge, Lord Justice Goldring, rebuffed him:
"It is perfectly straightforward. The identities will be disclosed to me and, if relevant, that information will be passed to interested persons.
The IPCC also said they had received 1,596 responses to appeals for people who had originally given statements to West Midlands Police in the original investigation.
400 witnesses have requested copies of the 'statements' they originally gave to the police.
The inquest will likely still be on-going around the time of the 25th Hillsborough Anniversary, which is certain to be a hugely emotive time, although the Judge agreed that the inquest would not sit during that week.
