11/05/2006

Memorial for Bradford football tragedy

The 21st anniversary of the Bradford City fire tragedy has been marked with a memorial service.

Hundreds of fans of the football club, as well as players and club officials, attended the memorial service at the city's Centenary Square.

The fire at Bradford City's Valley Parade ground claimed the lives of 56 supporters and left more than 260 fans injured.

The service was led by Acting Mayor's Chaplin the Rev Joy Rulton, the Bishop of Bradford the Right Rev David James and the Club Chaplin the Rev Andy Bowerman assisted.

City Hall flags were also flown at half mast during the service, which was also attended by Bradford's Lord Mayor Valerie Binney and a civic party from Lincoln.

The fire broke out during Bradford's match against Lincoln City and quickly swept through the antiquated stand and, within four minutes, the roof and the wooden stands below were ablaze. It is believed to have started because of an accidentally dropped match or a cigarette being stubbed out in a polystyrene cup.

The fire was one of the worst in the history of British football. An inquiry into the disaster resulted in legislation governing safety at sports grounds across the UK to be introduced.

(KMcA)

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