AT LONG last, families of the 96 Hillsborough victims can feel a sense of justice.

It has taken 27 years, but this week they heard the verdict they have battled for.

The jury ruled that their loved ones – sons, daughters, siblings, parents – had been unlawfully killed.

At times, campaigners must have feared this moment would never come.

They have had to surmount countless obstacles and setbacks over the years.

But their determination, solidarity and dignity has never wavered.

They have always remained steadfast about where blame lay for the tragic events of that day, despite attempts to point the finger at the fans themselves.

And they have been proved right.

We take our hats off to all those who have pushed and pushed for this moment.

Keighley businessman Trevor Hicks, who lost his two teenage daughters that day, has been prominent in the fight and has often provided a public face.

However, many more people have worked tirelessly to bring this about.

It's not by any means the end of the road – criminal proceedings could now follow – but this week's historic decision will at least bring relief and some closure to the families.

It is a major landmark in their battle for justice.