Police investigating Hillsborough mockery

The page allegedly poked fun at the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans who were crushed to death at an FA Cup semi-final in 1989 and included a graphic picture showing a supporter pinned up against the Leppings Lane end fences at Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium.

It is understood to have been online for a week and received 125 “likes” before being removed by Facebook following complaints forwarded by police.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: “Merseyside Police can confirm it has received several complaints from members of the public about comments made on Facebook about the Hillsborough tragedy.

“Detectives from the force’s hi-tech crime unit and CID are investigating to see if any offence has been committed and if any potential offenders can be identified.”

A Facebook spokesman confirmed the page had been removed because it violated Facebook’s statements of rights and responsibilities.

South Yorkshire Labour MP Angela Smith, who represented the Sheffield Hillsborough constituency for five years said last night: “I would be absolutely appalled if anyone had attempted to make light of a such a tragedy.

“The families of those who died or were seriously injured have to live with the memory of what happened for the rest of their lives and those of us who attend Hillsborough regularly are reminded of it every time we go to the ground.”

A panel chaired by the Bishop of Liverpool has been overseeing the release of official documents relating to the disaster. They are expected to be out this autumn.