The most senior serving police officer involved in the Hillsborough disaster has announced that he will retire next year.
West Yorkshire Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison was working as an inspector for the South Yorkshire Police at the time of the 1989 tragedy which saw 96 Liverpool supporters crushed to death during an FA Cup semi-final.
He was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission last month after it was revealed in the Hillsborough report that South Yorkshire Police had doctored statements in order to blame fans for the deaths.
The 56-year-old has now confirmed that he will retire on March 31, 2013.
"Recent weeks have caused me to reflect on what is best for the future of policing in West Yorkshire and I have now decided to set a firm date for my retirement," he said in a statement.
"I hope [my departure] will enable the Independent Police Complaints Commission to fully investigate allegations that have been raised about my integrity.
"They need to be fairly and fully investigated and I welcome this independent and formal scrutiny."
Campaigners have also called for Sir Norman to be stripped of his knighthood.
Jack Prescott
