Police officers investigated over Shoreham Airshow video selfie

Two police officers are being investigated for gross misconduct after the Shoreham air crash filmed themselves near the scene, the BBC reported today.

Now the Brighton-based pair are facing an investigation for “gross misconduct in relation to their use of social media” after the colleague reported the photo to the force’s professional standards department.

Pinkney said the force had apologised to the relatives and had admitted the families had been caused unnecessary distress.

They were among the emergency services at the scene of the disaster on 22 August, when a Hawker Hunter vintage aircraft failed to pull out of a loop at the Shoreham Airshow and crashed on the A27.

“I am so upset that two officers have so badly let down the 11 families of those who died at Shoreham air crash and have let down hundreds of their colleagues who have also been working so tirelessly since that day”.

‘They are disappointed as we all are.

It sparked a huge police operation, which is still ongoing, with the inquest into the deaths opened and adjourned at a hearing in Horsham last Wednesday.

Ms Pinkney added: “All our efforts are focused on providing the families with the answers they are looking for”.

‘We will thoroughly investigate this claim where the behaviour or actions of officers and staff is alleged to have fallen below the standards expected of them’.

‘We need to follow processes in relation to disciplinary matters.

Pinkney said she had thought about suspending the officers, who are within their probationary period, but wanted them to “keep their shoulder to the wheel”. In the meantime they have been assigned duties away from public contact’.

The victims: Image copyright BBC/Sussex Police/Facebook Image caption (Top row, left to right) Matt Jones, Matthew Grimstone, Jacob Schilt, Maurice Abrahams, Richard Smith.