Two police officers under investigation for Shoreham Airshow crash message

The investigation relates to a ‘private message’ sent by two Brighton-based officers ‘new in service’ to a colleague, who immediately reported the pair to the force’s Professional Standards Department.

The families of the 11 victims have received apologies for what the force described as a ‘particularly upsetting’ allegation.

Deputy chief constable Olivia Pinkney said: “I cannot emphasize how upset I am that we are investigating such an allegation.

“My colleagues have informed the victims’ families and apologised to them for the unnecessary distress it will undoubtedly cause them.

“They are disappointed as we all are. Such an allegation impacts on everyone who was affected by the crash and detracts from the professionalism of hundreds of colleagues who have worked so tirelessly on this operation.

“All our efforts are focused on providing the families with the answers they are looking for.”

The two officers have not been suspended but have been assigned to duties away from the public while they are being investigated.

Deputy chief constable Pinkney said: “I encourage my officers and staff to report any alleged behaviour that is below the standard expected, and that is what has happened here.

“We need to follow processes in relation to disciplinary matters.

“The officers, who are quite new in service, have not been suspended as I want them to work to earn their pay while this is investigated.

“In the meantime they have been assigned duties away from public contact.”

The disaster claimed the lives of 11 men when a Hawker Hunter vintage plane crashed into busy traffic on the A27 while performing a loop at the Shoreham Airshow on Saturday, August 22.

This story has been edited following an official statement from Sussex Police.

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.