Darragh Mackin

The fire at Summerland Leisure Centre on 2 August 1973 killed 50 people and seriously injured 80 others.

Belfast firm Phoenix Law is acting for the families in an application to the Isle of Man’s attorney general for a fresh inquest.

Partner Darragh Mackin said: “For years these families have raised concerns about the original investigation and inquest into the Summerland fire.

“Today’s application not only supports these concerns, but indeed, underscores them. It is difficult to envisage a more compelling set of circumstances to which point firmly in favour of a fresh investigation.

“It has now been uncovered that the same scientist who led the Summerland Fire analysis was the individual at the centre of some of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history, including the Birmingham Six and Judith Ward.

“His forensic techniques were later deemed ‘wrong, and demonstrably wrong’ and ‘valueless‘ when he was later criticised for his analysis in the Birmingham Six and Judith Ward cases.

“This revelation coupled with the evolution in forensic techniques make a clear and indisputable need for a fresh investigation.”