The original inquest verdicts returned on 96 Liverpool football fans who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster have been overturned in the High Court.

The Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge ordered fresh inquests following an application by Attorney General Dominic Grieve. He made his request to the High Court, using new medical evidence as a basis, three months after a new report established 41 of those who died might have been saved.

The home secretary, Theresa May, has also announced a new police inquiry into the disaster. It  will be led by former Durham chief constable Jon Stoddart.

Mr Stoddart will be able to recruit investigators and staff to his team, but he will not be allowed to employ officers or former officers with any prior connection to the Hillsborough disaster.

He is also unable to recruit any officers or former officers who worked in the West Midlands, South Yorkshire or Merseyside police forces.

"I am aware of the great significance and personal responsibility which comes with leading this criminal investigation," he said.

Pressure

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “This is a watershed moment on the road to justice for the families of the 96, and I share their overwhelming relief that, after 23 very painful years, the inquest versions have been quashed. It is the only right and proper decision that the High Court could make in the wake of the overwhelming and compelling evidence uncovered by the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

“We must all keep up the pressure that has driven the momentum over the last few months to make sure that the families get the justice they deserve. I also welcome the new police investigation, which we all hope will result in those that played a role in causing the disaster and the monumental cover up are brought to account.”

Meanwhile, sales of the Hillsborough charity single, tipped to be the Christmas number one,  will not be subject to VAT.

Calls were made to waive the tax after a cover of The Hollies' He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, was released.

David Cameron told the Commons he could "confidently predict" the VAT decision would "go down well on Merseyside".