Shoreham Airshow Crash: 11 People Feared Dead
Police say 11 people are "highly likely" to have died when a former military plane crashed into a busy road outside the Shoreham Airshow.
Bodies are still being recovered from the wreckage more than 24 hours after the Hawker Hunter jet ploughed into the A27 at Shoreham, West Sussex.
The 1950s single-seater jet smashed into cars after it failed to pull out of a loop-the-loop stunt.
Onlookers described seeing the aircraft flying low to the ground followed by a "huge ball of fire".
They said a "hushed silence" fell among the 20,000 people at the show as the sky was filled with thick, black smoke.
Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry said officers are as yet unable to identify those killed and warned the death toll may rise further.
"Sadly, as a result of our initial work at the site, which has continued overnight, and inquiries following calls to the emergency services from worried families and friends, we have now identified 11 people who we are treating as highly likely to have died in this tragedy," he said.
"The scene itself is incredibly large. A lot of specially trained officers are sifting, as we speak, so we do need to keep an open mind but from what we have seen at this stage it is possible that we will find more fatalities."
Officers are bringing in a crane to lift the plane's wreckage on Monday, and fear they may discover the remains of more bodies.
Worthing United FC players Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, both 23, and personal trainer Matt Jones, 24, were among the dead.
Mr Grimstone was a goalkeeper for the non-league club, while Mr Schilt played in midfield.
They were on their way to play Loxwood FC at Worthing's Robert Albon Memorial Ground when the plane hit the A27.
Mr Grimstone's parents said in a statement: "The family are in total shock at losing our dearest son Matthew so tragically at 23 years old.
"He was the kindest person you could ever meet with a great wit. In his 23 years we can honestly say he never lost his temper."
Mr Jones' death was confirmed on social media by his sister Becky Jones, who said: "Thank you to everyone who has messaged me. We are devastated to say Matt Jones was one of the fatalities."
:: At Least One Dead As Airshow Planes Collide In Switzerland
One of the vehicles hit was a wedding car on its way to collect a bride.
The Daimler, which had its roof ripped off by the impact, belonged to Chariot Chauffeurs, based in Lewes, East Sussex.
Jay Sherwin, the company's owner, said: "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of our driver who was caught up in the tragic air crash."
The pilot - Andy Hill, a former RAF Harrier pilot - was pulled alive from the wreckage.
Police said the 51-year-old is "critically ill and fighting for his life".
A further 14 people were injured - four of them were taken to hospital.
Neil McCarthy, a friend of Mr Hill and a former Hawker Hunter pilot, said Mr Hill is an "excellent" pilot.
"He's a great bloke and a very, very accomplished pilot. An expert at what he does and a very, very safe pilot," he told Sky News.
"Once he left the RAF, he carried on in civilian use as a civilian pilot for an airline and has flown many, many types of aircraft for numerous years on the display circuit - an excellent pilot."
He added: "There could have been a mechanical issue with the aircraft. You just don't know.
"There's rumours flying around that there was an air space restriction at the time from Gatwick airport. I don't know. I wasn't there.
"I have displayed there before, but I'm not aware of that in the past. But we'll have to wait for the actual report to come out before we know the full details."
Police appealed for members of the public to stay away from the crash site while they continue to search the area.
The jet crashed at around 1.20pm on Saturday , shortly after it began its display in front of thousands of visitors.
Brighton and Hove City Council said the A27 was badly damaged and will remain closed in both directions until at least Monday night.
:: Police have set up a phone line for worried relatives on 01273 470101
