Hillsborough review criticises delays faced by families

In the report, Mr Taylor, who died in August but had recorded a video message which was played to families before publication, said:

“Our initial finding, as soon as we were able to listen to the Hillsborough and Manchester Arena families, was that it is the experience of bereaved families, not just the technical competence of pathologists, which calls for a fresh focus.

“As we have received evidence for our review and listened to both the relevant professionals and families affected, this assessment has resonated throughout: we have moved a long way since 1989 but more still needs to be done.”

His report also recommended a process for informing family members of the existence of post-mortem photographs and images.

Jenni Hicks, whose daughters Sarah, 19, and Vicki, 15, were among the 97 victims at Hillsborough, told the review she learnt post-mortem images of their genitalia and breasts had been kept on a police computer.

She said: “How undignified and disrespectful for them, and shockingly embarrassing for me. When I later asked how many male police officers had viewed my daughters’ bodies, there was no log to confirm this figure.”

In the review, Hillsborough families said they had been told their loved ones’ bodies were “property of the coroner” following their deaths.