by Lamiat Sabin
and Paddy McGuffin

HILLSBOROUGH investigators launched an appeal yesterday to find the hero football fans who tried to help 96 fellow supporters crushed to death in the 1989 stadium disaster.

Grainy images taken from 26-year-old CCTV footage have been released to track down people who can help the ongoing inquiry into the catastrophe.

As well as aiding ongoing inquests in Warrington led by coroner Sir John Goldring, authorities believe that witnesses could have the answers to questions of victims’ loved ones.

Assistant Commissioner Jon Stoddart of the investigation team said: “I know these pictures are 26 years old but if anyone does recognise the people we need to speak to, then I would urge them to get in touch immediately.”

Two police officers, a steward and 15 fans, including a Nottingham Forest supporter, are among the unidentified witnesses.

Six of them were photographed carrying victims away from the chaos on advertising boards that were pulled off the pitch.

Only one of the 18 has come forward so far, the BBC reported yesterday.

About 6,500 witnesses have been interviewed since the tragic incident occurred at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Mr Stoddart reminded the public to not pass comment on the appeal or any other aspect of the Hillsborough disaster on social media and forums in accordance with warnings from the coroner and the Attorney General.

He added that more images could be released in the coming weeks.

Anyone who can identify any of the people in the images should call Operation Resolve on 08000 283284 or via the website www.operationresolve.co.uk.