South Yorkshire Police Authority says it will pay the legal costs of former Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield and former Superintendent Bernard Murray, who are due in court to face a private prosecution brought by relatives of the 96 Liverpool fans who were crushed to death in the 1989 tragedy.

For 'long-term morale'

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Daines, who was not involved with Hillsborough policing that day, said it was standard practice under the circumstances and necessary to maintain morale among officers who have to make "split-second crucial decisions".

"South Yorkshire Police Authority is meeting the cost of legal advice for these long-retired police officers and will continue to do so until this case is concluded," he confirmed.

"The two men are fully entitled to have their costs met. It is necessary for the long-term morale of the force."

First private prosecution

The private prosecutions follow the decision by Lord Justice Stuart Smith who headed a fresh inquiry, which found there was no new evidence to justify action by the state.

The first allegation the two former officers face is that on 15 April, 1989, the two defendants unlawfully killed John Alfred Anderson and James Gary Aspinall.

It is also alleged that the former senior officers "wilfully neglected to carry out a public duty on that day".

Mr Duckenfield, of West Parley, Bournemouth, and Mr Murray, of Pontefract, West Yorkshire, are due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on Monday, December 7.

A spokesman for relatives of the disaster victims declined to comment on the announcement made by South Yorkshire Police Authority.