Seven Dead As Airshow Jet Crashes On Road

Seven people have been confirmed dead after a plane crashed during the Shoreham Airshow.

The jet, believed to be a Hawker Hunter, hit several cars on the A27 in West Sussex before crashing into bushes.

The pilot was not among the deceased but police confirmed he was "critically ill and fighting for his life" at Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Fourteen others were injured and police warned they could yet discover more casualties.

Superintendent Jane Derrick, of Sussex Police, said: "At this time we are continuing to search the area to ensure we have identified all the casualties.

"It is possible that tonight and tomorrow we are going to find more casualties at the scene."

All of the victims had been on the A27 rather than the showground.

Ms Derrick would not comment on speculation the dead included two cyclists, but said there were "a number of people and bikes at the scene and the officers are working through that at the moment".

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service dispatched 10 appliances following the crash at 1.20pm.

Laura Raymond, who was commentating on the display for Splash FM, told Sky News: "There was a ball of fire, we didn't even hear an impact - and then plumes of black smoke. It's being described by the commentator as a tragic incident."

She said about 20,000 people were at the show and they descended into "hushed silence".

Show goers were kept at the site until 7pm.

The A27, the main route between Brighton and Worthing, will remain closed until 6am on Monday, Highways England has said.

The show was due to recommence on Sunday but has now been called off.

Prime Minister David Cameron sent his condolences to the victims' families.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister sends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the people who were so tragically killed after a jet crashed into several vehicles in West Sussex.

"The Prime Minister's thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims."

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: "We will be conducting a civil air accident investigation and a team is on site.

"We are working closely with Sussex police and a report will be produced in due course."

It is the second fatal crash at the Shoreham Airshow in recent years after James Bond stuntman Brian Brown died in September 2007.

The 49-year-old was carrying out an unplanned barrel roll at a re-enactment of the Battle of Britain.

The Hawker Hunter was introduced in the 1950s and retired from military service in 2014.