Birmingham pub bombings: New inquests to be opened on 21 Provisional IRA victims

The senior coroner for Birmingham and Solihull Louise Hunt announced the decision after holding several review hearings and receiving "significant" new information about the double bombing on November 21, 1974.

During the recent hearings, families of some of those killed in the blasts in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs put forward a claim that the British state had knowledge of the attacks planned by the IRA before they were carried out.

Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine was among the victims, welcomed the decision, saying it was "way beyond our expectations" as she urged the Government to ensure victims' families were given Legal Aid.

She added: "All we want is to be heard so we can get the truth, justice and accountability."

Setting out the reasons for her ruling, Ms Hunt said there was evidence that West Midlands Police had missed two potential warnings of the bomb attacks, including a comment made by men linked to IRA that "Birmingham would be hit next week".

That overheard conversation was reported to police on November 10 1974, but Ms Hunt said there was "no indication that the police took any active steps in response to it".

On the day of the attack, a second tip-off to the police was not followed up, she added.

Ms Hunt went on: "I have serious concerns that advanced notice of the bombs may have been available to the police and that they failed to take the necessary steps to protect life."

Concluding, she said: "This is specifically in respect of the two matters I have identified.

"It is only in respect of that issue that I consider there is sufficient reason to resume an inquest to investigate the circumstances of these deaths.

"So I am satisfied that the inquest should be resumed."

She said claims that police were protecting a mole in the IRA cell were unfounded, and neither did the emergency services response that night contribute to the deaths.

Speaking outside court, Paddy Hill, one of the six men wrongly convicted of the bombings, welcomed the decision to order new inquests.

He said: "I've known the truth all along. It's about time the British public knew the truth."

But he said he was "sceptical" the truth would actually emerge.

"Birmingham police couldn't spell the word truth. They're rotten."

Today, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: "I support the Coroner's decision and West Midlands Police will assist the process now underway.

"The Birmingham Pub Bombings of 1974 are one of the most serious terrorist attacks in the UK. West Midlands Police not only failed to catch those responsible but caused a miscarriage of justice. I have said and reiterate again, it is the most serious failing in this force's history.

"It is almost 42 years since these events. I understand families of those who lost their lives are frustrated, disappointed and angry.

"Since 2012 and directly as a result of the campaign by families of those who died we have carefully reassessed the opportunities to bring the people responsible to justice. Despite an intense scrutiny we have not been able to see, at this time, a prospect of doing this. That has been an authentic and painstaking search for the truth."

"We have not nor will not close this investigation.

"West Midlands Police will support this enquiry as we have done through the recent hearings by the Coroner which determined whether the inquest should re-open. I hope the new inquest provides answers to families."

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson added: "I support the coroner's decision to reopen the inquests.

"I sincerely hope the inquests brings the answers the families of the victims have been seeking.

"The Chief Constable has assured me West Midlands Police will co-operate fully with the inquests and I will hold the Chief Constable to account to deliver on that assurance.

"West Midlands Police had no principled objection to the resumption of the inquests. That was a position I supported."