July 7 2005 London bombing inquests to begin

London, Oct 11 (ANI): The inquests for the 52 people killed by four al-Qaeda-backed suicide bombers on three Underground trains and a bus in London on July 7, 2005 are due to start.

According to the BBC, the hearings were delayed because of criminal investigations and questions over what the inquests should cover.

Lady Justice Hallett, the coroner, would reportedly preside over five months of hearings without a jury and also look at whether MI5 could have stopped the bombers. Many families of the victims, however, want a public inquiry into the case.

The hearings at the Royal Courts of Justice in London are expected to last till March next year and will look into the precise details of the 2005 attacks.

The survivors of the attacks on underground trains near Aldgate, Edgware Road and Russell Square Tube stations, and on a double-decker bus in Tavistock Square, near King's Cross, would reportedly give evidence during the hearing. Members of the emergency services who tried to save lives would also give their testimony.

Besides the 52 people killed, the incident had left about 700 other people injured, including many with severe and permanent injuries.

The inquests are expected to open with the hearings being shown footage and pictures of the aftermath of the attacks that have never been seen before. (ANI)