The Independent Police Complaints Commission [IPCC] have announced the launch of an investigation into a “large number” of officers regarding their conduct before, during and after the Hillsborough disaster.

South Yorkshire Police and then-chief inspector, Sir Norman Bettison, were recently referred to the commission whilst West Midlands police, who led the subsequent botched investigation, referred themselves.

And their actions in the period surrounding the disaster, including the attempted cover-up, will be subject to a full inquiry run in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The IPCC has revealed that the investigation could lead to charges including manslaughter, perverting the course of justice and perjury.

The role of police in the dissemination of false information about the fans’ role in the disaster is set to come under particular scrutiny, as is the negligence which led to the deaths of 96 people.

Bettison, 56, recently announced his intention to retire in March on a full pension, though his rights to that financial package would be withdrawn should he be found guilty of any criminal charges brought against him.

Hillsborough police chief Sir Norman Bettison will learn on Friday what course of action the IPCC [Independent Police Complaints Commission] intend to take following last month’s independent panel findings.

Bettison was referred to the watchdog alongside former employers South Yorkshire Police whilst West Midlands Police, who led the botched investigation in the aftermath, referred themselves.

If found guilty of criminal conduct by the IPCC, the individuals involved could be brought before the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] for prosecution.

A spokesman for the IPCC said: “We have conducted our own review which will undoubtedly cover the referrals we have received and possibly more.”

Bettison apologised last month after insisting Liverpool fans “made the job of the police harder than it needed to be”, just days after the panel’s report was released.

The former Merseyside police chief recently announced his intention to retire next year with a full pension, though criminal charges could yet be brought against him.

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has insisted his “conscience is clear” after a week in which he has been heavily criticised for diving, following the Reds’ 0-0 draw with Stoke at Anfield.

Speaking after the game, Potters’ boss Tony Pulis called for the Uruguay international to be punished while on Thursday Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce singled out the Reds man in a diatribe about simulation, which he described as a “cancer” on the game.

Suarez has received support both from Liverpool and the Uruguayan Football Association, but insists that the criticism does not bother him.

“Let them keep talking. My conscience is clean. I respond on the pitch,” he told the Daily Express.

However, the forward did concede that his attitude on the pitch must improve, but put it down to his “anxiety” to perform well for his team.

“As the years go by you realise what you have to correct. I am 25 and there are things I must improve, like my attitude on the pitch,” he added.

“But that is how I have played since I was a kid. I try to correct it, but there are times when my anxiety makes me play that way.

“Everyone knows I gesture a lot, talk and protest, and those are things I must improve on.”

The pressure on Suarez to avoid bookings for simulation and dissent was increased on Thursday by Fabio Borini’s foot fracture, which leaves the Uruguay international as Liverpool’s only fit senior centre forward.