A fatal accident inquiry into the Clutha disaster will be held at Hampden in April.

Ten people were killed and 11 seriously injured when a police helicopter crashed into the Glasgow bar in November 2013.

The inquiry will be held at Hampden on April 9. The preliminary hearing will take place this year on October 3.

The victims have been paid sums between £5000 and £600,000 by helicopter operator Babcock, formerly known as Bond.

An investigation into the cause of the crash found the engines had flamed out as a result of problems with its fuel supply.

A Crown Office statement said: "The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (Copfs) can confirm that the process to initiate a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the Clutha helicopter crash has begun.

"Copfs appreciates the importance of this inquiry to those affected, and we have informed them of this development."

Patrick McGuire, of Thompsons Solicitors, who have represented several families affected by the tragedy, said: "This is very welcome news from the Crown Office, although it has taken far too long for us to reach this stage.

"A fatal accident inquiry is the only way that the families of those who lost their lives will be able to learn what happened to their loved ones on that awful night almost five years ago.

"The FAI will also be able to make recommendations that will hopefully prevent a similar accident from ever happening again.

"I hope that the Crown Office will make sure that the families are at the very centre of this process, are kept fully informed of all developments and are treated in a compassionate and sympathetic manner."