Tributes paid on fifth anniversary of Shoreham Airshow tragedy

Five years ago today (August 22), a Hawker Hunter jet which was on display at the 2015 Shoreham Airshow crashed onto the A27 near the Sussex Pad traffic lights, killing 11 men.

They were: Maurice Abrahams, 76, of Brighton; Dylan Archer, 42, of Brighton; Anthony Brightwell, 53, of Hove; Matthew Grimstone, 23, of Brighton; Matthew Jones, 24, of Littlehampton; Graham Mallinson, 72, of Newick; Daniele Polito, 23, of Goring; Mark Reeves, 53, of Seaford; Jacob Schilt, 23, of Brighton; Richard Smith, 26, of Hove and Mark Trussler, 54, of Worthing.

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Shoreham Airshow inquest: ‘Alarm bells ringing’ as families denied access to evidenceChief Constable of Sussex Police Jo Shiner was among those to pay tribute today. She said: "All my thoughts today are with the families of those who died, and those who were injured, in the Shoreham airshow crash on this day in 2015.

"Also with those from Sussex Police and other emergency services who responded so professionally.

"My respect and thoughts with you all."

West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service also released a joint statement which said: "Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Shoreham Airshow crash.

"Especially today, our thoughts go out to everybody affected by the tragedy, including the family and friends of the 11 men who lost their lives."

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said: "It’s hard to believe that it is 5 years since that fateful summer’s day in August when 11 men tragically lost their lives in the Shoreham Air Show disaster.

"The tragedy was felt far and wide and will always be part of Shoreham’s history."

Members of the public also took to social media to express their condolences.

Pilot Andy Hill was cleared of 11 charges of manslaughter by gross negligence at the Old Bailey last year. A permanent memorial to those who lost their lives was also erected in 2019.

The event has not been held since 2015.