Viewers were devastated watching scenes in the first episode of ITV's Hillsborough drama Anne.
The four-part drama, Anne, played by Maxine Peake, details the story of the Formby mum whose 15-year-old son Kevin was among the innocent 97 Liverpool supporters who died as a result of the disaster.
It chronicles Anne’s efforts to challenge the lies, misinformation and failings that followed the disaster, efforts that included the submission of three memorials to the attorney general in a bid to overturn the original flawed disaster inquest verdicts of accidental death.
READ MORE: ITV's Anne: episodes, full cast, start date and time
People watching at home said they were watching the programme through tears from the beginning as they saw Anne and Kevin's step-dad Steve, played by Stephen Walters, identify Kevin's body from a line-up of polaroid photos of the victims.
Many said it brought back difficult memories for them, and said while it was hard to watch the pain and injustice Anne was trying to cope with, it is an important story that needs to be told.
Others also commended the acting of Maxine Peake after taking on the role of "absolute warrior" Anne.
Taking to Twitter, @ohlookitsfee said: "Anne Williams was an absolute warrior for justice for the 97 and should be remembered as such."
@jobrad68 said: "Already in tears. I remember watching it live on tv unfold as though it was yesterday. As a mum and footie fan no one should go through what those fans went through."
@XAiden_NoahX said: "Love @MPeakeOfficial anyway but THIS #Anne Harrowing, Important, Horrific. I can't even describe it really, I'm watching through tears. So powerful."
@JaneRockHouse said: "Heartbreaking. Hillsborough is etched forever in my memory. #Anne @MPeakeOfficial is just incredible."
@JoannArthur1 said: "Breaking my heart watching this. I remember it all too well. Screaming at the TV for someone to do something. Never, ever forgotten!"
@JonNewby29 said: "This is the toughest programme I've watched in many years & will be for the entire city of Liverpool. It isn't drama It's real life, People were actually treated like this."
*Anne is on ITV1 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 9pm and available on ITV Player
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