Liverpool marks Hillsborough deaths with memorial services

Hillsborough became Britain's worst sporting disaster - 96 Liverpool fans were killed

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Memorial services are being held later at Liverpool FC and at Liverpool Town Hall to mark the anniversary of the Hillsborough stadium disaster.

Ninety-six Liverpool fans died after being crushed at the Sheffield stadium on 15 April 1989.

Thousands of fans are expected to attend the ticket-only service at Anfield which starts at 14:45 BST.

Lord Mayor Frank Prendergast said the Town Hall ceremony is a chance "to come together and remember those who died".

At 15:06 BST - the time of the disaster 23 years ago - the bells at the Town Hall will ringing 96 times to commemorate each victim.

Mr Prendergast said: "It is an opportunity to come together and remember those who died and remind people that it can never be allowed to happen again."

Liverpool FC was given special dispensation to play the FA Cup semi-final against Everton on Saturday, rather than on the anniversary of the disaster.