CCTV images of 18 witnesses who tried to save victims of the Hillsborough disaster have been released in an attempt to gather vital information.
Operation Resolve is the investigation into the 96 deaths following tragic events at Hillsborough Stadium in the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Detectives are appealing for these unidentified witnesses to come forward as they could provide new evidence to assist the Coroner or criminal investigation.
After 26 years, investigators are still trying to uncover the truth behind the disaster.
The witnesses, who fought to save the lives of those killed in the tragedy, are thought to include a small number of Nottingham Forest fans.
It is suggested that 15 fans, two police officers and a steward are all pictured in the newly released CCTV footage.
A number of witnesses have already been identified.
Appeal
Assistant Commissioner Jon Stoddart, who is heading the operation, spoke to Notts TV News.
He outlined the appeal and just how important these witnesses could be in the continuing investigation:
Audio: Jon Stoddart talks about the appeal
Stoddart added: “We know there were a huge amount of Nottingham Forest fans there and some of them were on the pitch and helping with the rescue efforts.
“Many of them could help us greatly in terms of trying to understand what happened to these poor fans.”
John West, from Bulwell, was in the Forest end during the disaster; though he was unable to help those injured.
He took time to recall the traumatic series of events:
Video: John West recalls the events at Hillsborough
John added: “When they started to bring the people up and were laying them in front of the Forest end was when I realised how serious it was.
It was a sense of numbness when I realised what was really happening. People were dying in front of us.
John stressed the importance of the appeal because he believes there are facts which still need to be established.
He pleaded: “If you’ve got information, come forward. Let them know so they can produce the evidence in court – where they are now.
“Things can change and they can find out what really happened, which is what we all want.”
Video: John West calls for witnesses to come forward
Anyone able to identify any of the people in the CCTV images should call Operation Resolve on 08000 283 284 or visit operationresolve.co.uk.
