Shoreham airshow: Horror as jet plane crashes in fireball during seaside display

A plane has crashed during an airshow in front of hundreds of spectators.

It is not yet known if the pilot ejected before the plane smashed into the ground, but witnesses told how black smoke was seen billowing into the sky just moments after the accident.

The plane is thought to have been a Hawker Hunter that was taking part in a display this afternoon.

Witnesses took to Twitter after seeing the horrific crash, with many fearing for the pilot's safety.

Helen A posted: "A plane has just crashed at Shoreham air show, on a road right in front of my nephew, but he is ok thank god, near miss. Hope nobody hurt."

Horrific photos appear to show a huge ball of flames at the point where witnesses said the plane came down.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Police are aware of the incident at the airshow and dealing are with it."