Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Today’s announcement represents another milestone in the long history of the Hillsborough investigations.

“The start of criminal proceedings against these individuals will hopefully lead to a measure of closure for the family members  who have experienced a long and traumatic process in their quest for justice and those officers who have lived under the shadow of the disaster for 28 years.

“I am reassured that South Yorkshire Police today understand very well that their present and future conduct has to be rooted in a commitment to uphold the values of public service and to putting the victim at the centre of their operation.”