CRIMINAL charges are under consideration with files investigating the tragic deaths of 96 Liverpool FC fans at Hillsborough – including six from Halton – being handed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The news has been confirmed by Broudie Jackson Canter solicitors who represented the families of 20 of the victims throughout the inquest in Warrington that ended in April.

This is after the findings of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) – which is the biggest criminal investigation into alleged police misconduct conducted in England and Wales – and Operation Resolve were passed to the CPS.

Prosecutors must now decide whether the 23 unnamed individuals and organisations should face criminal proceedings.

Elkan Abrahamson, a director at the law firm, said: “Our clients are relieved that files have finally gone to the CPS to consider criminal proceedings against 23 individuals and organisations.

“Given that the CPS has been working in tandem with the police and the IPCC for many years we believe decisions should now be taken without further delay.

“We will continue to scrutinise the process and any decisions.”

Following two years of evidence heard at a coroner’s court set up in Birchwood, a jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing on April 26 after an FA Cup match at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium turned into a disaster, claiming the lives of 96 fans and leaving hundreds more injured.

This included father and son Tommy Howard, 39, and Tommy Howard junior, 14, Kevin Tyrell, 15, and Adam Spearritt, 14, all from Runcorn, and Peter Thompson, 30, from Widnes, and David Benson, 22, from Penketh, who worked in Widnes.

But the families continue to fight for justice following the tragic events that unfolded during the semi final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989.

The loved ones of the victims have campaigned for more than 25 years to have individuals or public bodies held to account.

There are believed to be a number of charges being considered, including gross negligence, manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, misconduct in a public office and offences under the Safety at Sports Grounds Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act.