HANNAH GRAHAM

THE community are still in shock after a Hawker Hunter jet crashed on to the A27 during a display at the Shoreham Air Show last Saturday.

The show is an annual two-day event ran by Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), which takes place in West Sussex.

Some 50 aircraft were scheduled to take to the skies at the event.

The precise type of aircraft was a 1950s Hawker Hunter T7, of which there were 'probably only five flying at the minute' said Neil McCarthy, fellow friend and pilot.

At least 11 people died and a further 14 people were injured, four of whom were taken to hospital.

Police said the death toll could continue to rise as the recovery operation progresses.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), which investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK, attended the scene of the crash, and will continue to investigate until a report is concluded.

Dozens of air shows take place across the UK every year, and according to the RAFA, the UK takes safety arrangements 'very seriously', with numerous checks and requirements that need to be met.

The family of one of the victims has called for aerobatic air displays to be held over sea rather than land to minimise the potential for fatalities.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has said it is looking at whether air show safety requirements should change.

A host of air shows are taking place over this bank holiday weekend with alterations to their schedules in the wake of the Shoreham plane disaster.

The Civil Aviation Authority banned vintage jets from carrying out high-energy acrobatics over land following the deadly crash.

A spokesman for the show said: “Until we find out more I think verging on the side of caution is very fair.''