More than 24,000 people attended an emotional memorial service yesterday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

The families of the 96 Liverpool football fans killed were joined at Anfield by players, club officials and fellow supporters.

Their loved ones died in the crush on the Leppings Lane terraces at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium after going to see the Reds play Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup semi-final on April 15 1989.

As the families of those who did not return home took their places in reserved seats on Anfield’s famous Kop for the service, the crowd got to their feet as one with a roar of approval and a huge ovation from all sides.

On the pitch, thousands of football scarves donated from fans and clubs across Britain and beyond were laid out to make 96.

As the time reached 3.06pm — the exact moment the match was abandoned — a minute’s silence began.

Public transport across Liverpool came to a standstill.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers, rivals Everton manager Roberto Martinez and Labour MP Andy Burnham were among people to give readings.

Addressing the Hillsborough families, Mr Rogers: “I feel very humble to be in your company.

“You are the real inspiration for us. Your courage, fortitude, resilience and love for the people you lost, it’s what inspires me every day as the manager of Liverpool Football Club.”

The inquest into Britain’s worst sporting disaster resumes next week.