Death toll in UK airshow could approach 20

Police have revealed that eleven people are “highly likely” to have died following the tragic incident, which is the worst air show disaster to have occurred in Britain in more than 50 years.

At least 11 people are “highly likely” to be dead after a plane crashed on a busy southern England road during an airshow, police said Sunday.

Investigators and specialist recovery teams have started clearing the scene of the crash that happened at about 1:20 pm local time on Saturday.

Mr Barry also warned that the death toll could rise further still.

However three of the victims were named locally as Worthing United footballers Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, and personal trainer Matt Jones.

A total of seven people have been confirmed as having died in the accident. The jet crashed on top of them resulting in a ball of flames. The hire auto was reportedly on its way to pick up a bride. She said it is believed all casualties except the pilot were road users. The road itself was also badly damaged and will need to be repaired. “And he flew straight into the ground either on or very close to the A27, which runs past the airport”, Jones said.

“However, we cannot confirm the identities of any of those involved until the formal processes have been completed, and we would ask that you respect the privacy of the families involved at this time”.

His plane, a Hawker Hunter fighter jet, which was developed in the 1950s, is due to be lifted out of the crash site tomorrow by plane.

Church leaders have offered their support following the Shoreham Airshow tragedy and prayers will be said across the Diocese of Chichester today.

The pilot Andy Hill, 51, from Sandon, near Buntingford in Hertfordshire, remains in a critical condition in hospital, having been pulled from the burning wreckage. He was a Harrier pilot in the Air Force.

“All air display arrangements, including the pilots and aircraft, must meet rigorous safety requirements”. Before he purchased the 60-year old aircraft, several other private owners had owned the jet. It was then sent to Germany.

Former pilot and RAF flying instructor David Learmount told Sky News that such crashes are extremely rare and “horrifically unlikely”.

Brighton star Lewis Dunk has paid an emotional tribute to two school friends who tragically died in the Shoreham Airshow crash.