FRIENDS of a young woman who died in the Hillsborough disaster spoke out after it was finally ruled yesterday that the 96 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed.

Victims of the tragedy at the Sheffield ground included Marian McCabe, 21, from Basildon, who was caught up in the Leppings Lane terrace crush.

The factory worker died during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final, after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Ex-colleagues and friends took to social media to pay tribute to Marian and vent their relief moments after the verdict was finally delivered yesterday.

Russ Jarvis, said: “(I) would just like to put a post on to Marian McCabe, Liverpool supporter and one of the 96 that died at Hillsborough and is buried in Pitsea.

“Today you have justice, today you can finally rest in peace – it has been a long time coming.

Friend Kim Lawton’s heartfelt message, read: “Rest In Peace my dear friend.

“Miss you so much.

“But now you and the others have the justice you deserve.”

Those who worked with Marian at Basildon’s old Yardley cosmetics factory echoed their relief, and gave touching accounts of her.

Ex-line operator Dot Ramsey, said: “I was at an interview at Yardley's when she was sitting next to me. We both got the jobs.

“Rest in peace sweet girl.”

Jurors at the inquest, held in Warrington, were told they could only reach a determination of unlawful death if they were sure of four "essential" matters concerning the deaths.

They had to be convinced that overall match commander Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield owed a duty of care to those who died in the disaster, and that he was in breach of that duty of care.

Thirdly, they would need to be satisfied that his breach of duty caused the deaths and, fourthly, that it amounted to "gross negligence".

They concluded it was unlawful killing by a 7-2 majority.

The conclusion was greeted with jubilation from Basildon Labour leader Gavin Callaghan, a long time campaigner for justice following the disaster.

He said: “For Marian’s friends and family I hope they will be able to rest a bit easier tonight.

“Hillsborough affected more than just football supporters, it affected so many people so far and wide.

“This was the right decision and it has been a long time coming.”

The conclusion was greeted with sobbing and cheers at the hearing in Warrington.

The jury also ruled that fan behaviour did not cause or contribute to the tragedy.

Mother Christine McEvoy, who gave evidence during the inquest into the 96 deaths in 2014, told how Marian had followed football from an early age.

She said: “Marian loved Liverpool so much that she would work overtime throughout the summer to save for matches, and would use her days off to save for midweek games during the winter.

“She even missed my lunchtime wedding because Liverpool were playing in London. But she arrived later for the reception, having washed and changed.”

Lawyers acting for relatives of the victims said the jury's conclusions had completely vindicated the bereaved families' tireless 27-year fight for justice, which concluded as the longest jury proceedings in British legal history.