Tributes to Hillsborough campaigner who lost son

Tributes have been paid to a father who helped lead the fight for truth and justice after his son was killed in the Hillsborough tragedy.

Phil Hammond became a driving force in the campaign after his 14-year-old son Philip died in the crush that killed 97 Liverpool fans at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance said it was "saddened to hear" of his passing but he was now "reunited with his son".

Liverpool Football Club said Mr Hammond had "helped lead the fight for justice for the 97".

Mr Hammond was the former chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

Louise Brookes, whose brother Andrew died in the tragedy, said on X that she was "extremely saddened" to hear of his death.

She said he was as "a very kind, fair, honest and humble man".

Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance added: "Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew him."

A Liverpool City Council spokesman said: "This is sad news indeed. Phil was a lovely man.

"His role in the fight for truth and justice over the Hillsborough disaster will never be forgotten."

His son Philip died in the tragedy after he travelled to the game with his friend Ian Southgate, who survived the disaster.

Mr Hammond's wife Hilda told an inquest in 2014 that their son had been a "typical" 14-year-old boy who played football, loved golf and was in the Boys' Brigade.

His old Liverpool school, Calderstones, named its new sports hall in his honour, with his parents proudly attending the opening ceremony, the inquest heard.

Mrs Hammond said: "Hopefully you can understand how much we miss him.

"We were certainly blessed to have such a lovely boy, even though it was for only 14 short years."

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