Books of Condolence opened in wake of airshow tragedy

The flag is flying at half-mast at County Hall in Chichester and the Books of Condolence have been opened at the following venues around the county:

• Centenary House, Durrington Lane, Durrington, BN13 2QB (opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays)

• County Hall, West St, Chichester, PO19 1RQ (opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm, excluding bank holidays)

• County Hall North, Chart Way, Horsham, RH12 1XA (opening hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays)

• Adur Civic Centre, Ham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PR (opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays)

• Worthing Town Hall, Chapel Road, Worthing, BN11 1HA (opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays)

An online book of condolence is also available at: www.shorehamcondolence.org

Anyone who has collected donations on behalf of those involved in the airshow incident is advised to await further updates regarding the official fund which is currently being set up.

West Sussex County Council Chairman Pat Arculus has sent a message of deepest sympathy on behalf of the County Council.

She said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those people who were killed or injured in Saturday’s tragedy.

“I would also like to express my thanks to all the emergency services who are showing incredible bravery and professionalism in extremely difficult circumstances. Our staff will continue to support the families of those affected by the tragedy.”

Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council, said: “In the aftermath of the shocking incident at Shoreham Airshow, I would like to say that the thoughts of Adur District Council’s members, councillors and staff are with the friends and families of those who lost their lives.”

Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “The events which unfolded at the weekend have shaken and saddened the entire community. Together with my fellow councillors and the officers of Worthing Borough Council, I wish to send my deepest condolences to everyone whose lives were touched by Saturday’s tragedy.”

Both Leaders praised the swift professionalism of the emergency services in securing the area and tending to those who were injured. They expressed hope that the authorities would be enabled to conduct their investigations unhindered and that the privacy of those in a state of grief or recovery would be respected.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.