New police probe into Hillsborough stadium deaths

LONDON - The British government has ordered a new police investigation into the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster that led to the death of 96 Liverpool fans.

Secret papers released in September exposed a sophisticated attempt by police to shift the blame onto Liverpool fans after they were crushed at the FA Cup semifinal against Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday's ground.

The new police probe was announced Wednesday as the High Court in London was being asked to overturn the accidental death verdicts from the inquests held after the disaster.

In Britain, an inquest is held to determine the facts whenever someone dies unexpectedly, violently or in disputed circumstances. Inquests do not determine criminal liability.