Police who smeared victims in wake of Hillsborough disaster could face criminal charges, report suggests

Criminal charges could be brought against police officers for smearing the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, it emerged today.

South Yorkshire Police documents show officials who reviewed the case in 2012 believed the "release of misleading statements to the press/public could be an attempt to pervert the course of justice", according to The Sunday Times.

The review, carried out for the force’s former chief constable David Crompton and released under freedom of information laws, added that "there could be some potential for criminal proceedings".

It also concludes that senior officers who told subordinates to alter their original statements to "protect SYP" (South Yorkshire police) could be accused of misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice.

The disclosure comes just days before a decision on whether individuals and organisations will face criminal charges over the Hillsborough disaster is due to be announced.

Families and suspects have been informed that announcements will be made on Wednesday setting out charging decisions in respect of individuals and organisations referred to the Crown Prosecution Service by two investigations.

Relatives have been invited to a private meeting in Warrington, where they will be informed of the decisions by Sue Hemming, CPS head of special crime and counter-terrorism division, at around 11am.

Ninety-six men, women and children died in the 1989 disaster at the FA Cup semi-final at Sheffield Wednesday's ground between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool fans were previously wrongly blamed for the disaster by the police. But new inquests which concluded last year found the fans were unlawfully killed.

Files of evidence relating to 23 suspects were referred to the CPS to decide whether criminal charges should follow.

Of these, 15 relate to the Operation Resolve investigation into the causes of the disaster, while eight relate to an Independent Police Complaints Commission probe.

The Telegraph was not able to contact South Yorkshire Police for comment.