Police chief lays flowers for Shoreham Airshow victims

CHIEF Constable of Sussex Police Giles York has joined public figures in laying flowers to the victims of the Shoreham Airshow disaster this afternoon (Wednesday, August 26).
Police chief Giles York joins other dignitaries to pay tribute to those who died in the Shoreham air crashPolice chief Giles York joins other dignitaries to pay tribute to those who died in the Shoreham air crash
Police chief Giles York joins other dignitaries to pay tribute to those who died in the Shoreham air crash

Mr York, along with lord lieutenant Susan Pyper, West Sussex County Council leader Louise Goldsmith, Worthing mayor Michael Donin, MP Tim Loughton and emergency services personnel gathered on the Old Toll Bridge, in Shoreham to pay their respects.

Scores of floral tributes have been laid on the bridge by residents.

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Speaking about the ongoing recovery process, Mr York said: “It’s an incredibly challenging scene for all the officers and agencies working there. There’s a complexity in the process we are trying to undertake. This is also made harder by the weather conditions.

“I would like to take an opportunity to really thank the communities around Shoreham there’s a huge amount of compassion coming through from the community helping us to get answers for the people affected.”

West Sussex coroner Penelope Schofield this afternoon confirmed the formal identification process of victims was underway.

Mrs Goldsmith said: “It’s a terrible, terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to relatives of families who have lost loved ones but today has been the most amazingly emotional experience.

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“I am so proud of the fire and rescue and all the services that have been working so hard.”

More than 20 agencies working at the crash site and Mr York said it was anticipated more victims would be named within a week – although some would take longer.