A university has withdrawn an honorary fellowship awarded to former West Yorkshire Police chief constable Sir Norman Bettison in the wake of the Hillsborough scandal.

It comes after the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) concluded Sir Norman attempted to manipulate his police authority “for his own self interest” following a damning report by the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

In a statement, Liverpool John Moores University said: "In light of the conclusions, Liverpool John Moores University has withdrawn the honorary fellowship awarded to Sir Norman Bettison in 2004.

"As previously stated, the university would like to commend the families and friends of those who died in the Hillsborough tragedy for the dignity and fortitude they have shown during their lengthy campaign for justice."

The Hillsborough families believe Sir Norman, who resigned his position as the West Yorkshire chief last year, was involved in a cover-up which attempted to lay blame for the tragedy on to the 96 victims.

Sir Norman, who was a chief inspector with South Yorkshire Police at the time of the tragedy and took part in the force’s subsequent investigation, has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to the disaster.