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No further victims found after Shoreham crash jet lifted

Part of the aircraft's wreckage is removed by crane
Part of the aircraft's wreckage is removed by crane

No further victims have so far been found following the lifting of the jet involved in the Shoreham air disaster, police said.

Senior officers at Sussex Police said their estimate that 11 people died in the crash on Saturday "remains in place" but warned further victims may be found.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry said: "As a result of lifting the jet, we have not discovered any evidence of further victims and our estimate of 11 highly likely victims remains in place.

"However, until we have fully completed the search of what is an extensive scene, I must caution that there is still the possibility that we may discover evidence of further victims, but I am not prepared to speculate on that figure."

As the jet was removed for forensic examination, it emerged that more than 200 people have reported concerns about missing friends and relatives since the disaster.

The Irish Aviation Authority said it was deeply saddened by the tragic events .

The Hawker Hunter that crashed also appeared at last month’s Bray air display. The ill-fated plane also participated at the Foynes and Shannon air displays this summer.

A spokesman said the Authority is constantly reviewing safety regulations in Ireland.

Worthing United footballers Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, both 23, who were on their way to play in a match, and personal trainer Matt Jones, 24, have been confirmed as among the dead.

A further victim has been named as 76-year-old Maurice Abrahams who was the chauffeur of a Daimler wedding car and was on his way to pick up a bride for her marriage service when he was killed.

Pilot Andy Hill, an experienced aerobatic stunt flyer and who also flies for British Airways, was pulled alive from the wreckage and is critically injured in hospital.

Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today banned "vintage jets" - which is believed to mean jets built before the mid-1960s - from carrying out high energy acrobatics.

Friend and pilot Neil McCarthy said Mr Hill was one of only six who flies a 1950s Hawker Hunter and described him as a fantastic, exceptional pilot and mentor.

Fourteen people were injured, four of whom were taken to hospital, after the jet crashed at about 1.20pm on Saturday shortly after beginning its display in front of thousands of spectators at the Shoreham Airshow.

Mr Hill's family said they are "devastated and deeply saddened for the loss of life and they send their prayers and heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected at this difficult time".

Mr Hill sustained multiple injuries in the crash and is in a medically induced coma at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

The CAA said it would be assisting the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) inquiries.

A CAA spokesman said: "The safety standards that must be met by all major civil air displays in the UK are among the very highest in the world.

"All air display arrangements, including the pilots and aircraft, must meet rigorous safety requirements. Individual display pilots are only granted approval following a thorough test of their abilities.

"All aviation safety requirements are regularly reviewed to ensure they provide the highest possible levels of protection. Events of this nature are very rare, but we will now thoroughly examine the circumstances to establish if further improvements can be made.

"We immediately commenced our review processes and remain committed to continuously enhancing the safety of all civil aviation and will provide further updates in the days to come."

Bunches of flowers, yellow bouquets, roses and sunflowers, have been left at the railings of a nearby footbridge.

Shoreham Airshow organisers have defended their safety record.

The Royal Air Forces Association said safety standards at air displays in Britain "are among the very highest in the world".

It added: "All air display arrangements, including the pilots and aircraft, must meet rigorous safety requirements and are regularly reviewed to ensure they provide the highest possible levels of protection.

"At Shoreham we have always taken those safety arrangements very seriously."