THE former Tory MP who spread shameful lies about Liverpool fans in the wake of the Hillsborough tragedy has died.

Sir Irvine Patnick was the key source for The Sun's story notoriously headlined “The Truth”, which smeared the fans and started the cover-up.

The former Sheffield Hallam MP said earlier this year he was “deeply and sincerely sorry” and insisted he had been given “wholly inaccurate” information by police officers.

But Patnick, who died aged 83, will now not be held accountable for the part he played in the cover-up of the scandal.

A statement issued by his family said: "Sir Irvine Patnick OBE, died peacefully on 30 December 2012, aged 83, in Sheffield.

"He was a much-loved husband of Lyndsay and father of Suzanne and Matthew. He'll be sadly missed by his brothers and by all his family and friends."

Shelia Coleman, of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, said Patnick’s death showed fresh investigations must take place as quickly as possible.

She said: “Quite simply, Irvine Patnick’s death serves as a timely reminder of why it’s absolutely imperative that all enquiries into the Hillsborough disaster and the subsequent cover-up take place as swiftly as possible.

“Otherwise, we are not going to be able to hold people responsible for their role in the scandal.

“It needs to be remembered that this man vilified Liverpool and was part of a lying machine which shamefully damaged the reputation of those fans.

“The purpose of his death should be to put increasing pressure on the authorities to ensure that investigations are not delayed any further so that people can be held accountable.”