Battle of Orgreave: 'Significant' progress on inquiry on 42nd anniversary
It's 42 years to the day since police and striking miners clashed outside the Orgreave Coking Works in South Yorkshire
An inquiry into the so-called 'Battle of Orgreave' is said to have made 'significant early progress', as events are held today to mark the 42nd anniversary today.
95 picketers were arrested and dozens of people were injured after clashes between police and striking miners outside the Orgreave Coking Works in Rotherham on June 18 1984.
Subsequent criminal prosecutions were dropped after police evidence was deemed unreliable.
The government confirmed the formal launch of an inquiry back in March.
After an initial call for evidence earlier this year more than 100 people and organisations have come forward to share their experiences.
Nearly 2,500 pieces of documentary evidence have been collected so far.
Chair of the Inquiry, the Right Reverend Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield said,
“As we reflect on this anniversary, the Inquiry is progressing its work with care and determination."
"We have begun gathering and reviewing evidence and engaging with individuals and communities who wish to contribute. I am sincerely grateful to the people who have responded to our call for evidence to date, often sharing difficult and deeply personal experiences.
“I recognise that coming forward may feel difficult, and for some, it may take time. But if you hold any information at all - whether documents kept over many years, items stored away, or your own memories, please know it matters.
"Each contribution, no matter how small it may seem, helps us move towards a fuller understanding. Every voice is valued, and every voice has a place in this Inquiry.
“While there is much still to do, our work is steadily taking shape. On this anniversary, I want to acknowledge all those affected and reaffirm our commitment to carrying out this Inquiry with integrity, openness and care.”
“We are committed to approaching this work in a way that is thorough, fair and independent, with a clear focus on establishing an authoritative account based on all available evidence.
"We are very mindful of the responsibility we carry, and of the need to proceed with sensitivity and respect at every stage.”