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David Duckenfield denies knowledge of police cover-up in Hillsborough tragedy

Former police chief David Duckenfield denies knowledge of a police cover-up with regards to the Hillsborough tragedy, an inquest hears.

Former chief superintendent David Duckenfield has denied encouraging police officers to change their statements regarding the events that resulted in the death of 96 Liverpool fans at the Hillsborough stadium.

The 70-year-old, who is giving evidence for a final day at the inquests in Warrington, was asked by John Beggs QC about the conduct of the police following the tragedy.

Duckenfield, who was the match commander on the day of the disaster in 1989, said "no" when asked if he told other officers how they should "record their evidence in relation to this tragedy".

Mr Beggs also asked, "did you, at any stage, ever encourage any other police officer or police civilian to change his or her statement?", to which Duckenfield replied: "No."

The former police chief also denied any knowledge of a "conspiracy to interfere with a fair collection of the evidence".

Yesterday, Duckenfield told the inquest that his failure to close a tunnel at Hillsborough was the cause of the deaths.

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Danielle Joynson
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A Liverpool football club supporter looks at floral tributes and memorabilia ahead of a memorial service to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England on April 15, 2009
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