MERSEYSIDE will today stop and remember the Liverpool FC fans killed 21 years ago in the Hillsborough tragedy.

At 3.06pm, many homes and workplaces will come to a halt to pay tribute to the 96 supporters who lost their lives in Sheffield.

The city’s Lord Mayor and other civic leaders will meet for a two-minute silence and prayers at 11.45am today at the town hall.

Families of those who died on the Leppings Lane End, survivors, Liverpool fans and former and current players and club staff will attend the annual memorial service at Anfield.

Late yesterday afternoon, the club said 9,000 tickets had been reserved.

The remaining 1,000 were available from the LFC ticket office, after selling out from club stores in Liverpool One and Williamson Square.

But the club also issued a reminder that tickets will not be available today.

The Bishop of Liverpool, along with the newly-established government committee he is chairing to re-examine the disaster, are expected to attend the service. Yesterday, he said his thoughts were with those who had lost loved ones on April 15, 1989.

The Rt Rev James Jones added: “I know this is a very difficult and distressing time for the families of the 96 who lost their lives at Hillsborough.

“I recognise the impact the events at Hillsborough had, in particular on those who survived the crush that day and also those who witnessed the traumatic events in the stadium or on television or who had friends at the game.