Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison resigns after Hillsborough revelations

Chief Constable of the West Yorkshire Police Sir Norman Bettison has resigned from his post following revelations of a police cover-up after the Hillsborough disaster.

The 56-year-old was a senior officer for the South Yorkshire Police during the 1989 stadium tragedy, where 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives in a crush in the Leppings Lane end.

A report was released claiming that the authorities had altered up to 164 statements in an attempt to blame the supporters for the death of their own fans.

Vice-chairman of the West Yorkshire Police Authority Councillor Les Carter said in a statement: "I can confirm that the Police Authority has accepted Sir Norman's resignation with immediate effect.

"The media attention and Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation is proving to be a huge distraction for the force, at a time when it is trying to maintain performance and make savings of £100m. We therefore believe that his decision is in the best interest of the communities of West Yorkshire."

Bettison added: "I have never blamed the fans for causing the tragedy. The suggestion that I would say to a passing acquaintance that I was deployed as part of a team tasked to 'concoct a false story of what happened', is both incredible and wrong."

Bettison was originally expected to retire in March.