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Straw backs Hillsborough officer

Anger has erupted on Merseyside following the disclosure that Mr Bettison was part of a Yorkshire police team that victims' relatives say attempted to deflect criticism over the 1989 tragedy away from the police.

Mr Bettison has also been criticised for making no mention in his application of his association with the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 people died.

'Full confidence'

However, Mr Straw said the officer had his "full confidence".

Mr Straw, speaking before the Association of Police Authorities' annual conference in Blackpool, said: "His nomination along with the other officers on the short list was approved by me on the recommendation and advice of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

"He was appointed by the police authority under the proper procedures and the police authority, as I have seen the papers, were given a biographical summary about his membership of this group that had something to do with Hillsborough."

Mr Bettison admits that his Hillsborough link was not made clear on his application form for the job but has said it was contained in a report from HMIC made available to all the police authority members.

Resignations

However, on Thursday two of them, Councillors Dave Martin and Frank Prendergast, resigned claiming they never saw any mention of his association with Hillsborough.

Asked about their resignation, Mr Straw said: "I am not responsible for whether or not people read the papers.

"The information was made available and its a matter for the police authority to follow it up."

The home secretary said he could not see "any reason whatever" for Mr Bettison to have a credibility problem in his new post.

"He is a very good officer," he said.

Relevant Stories

Two quit over Hillsborough policeman (05 Nov 98 | UK)
Merseyside police chief under review (02 Nov 98 | UK)
Hillsborough private prosecution opens (20 Aug 98 | UK)

Internet Links

Hillsborough Family Support Group
The Home Office
Merseyside Police

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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