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CRASH INQUEST DELAY

Sussex Police’s bid for footage of Shoreham crash pilot’s interview blocked

Legal battle has delayed inquest proceedings

POLICE investigating the Shoreham air show tragedy have been blocked from seeing interviews with the pilot Andy Hill.

He was quizzed by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch after the fireball crash that killed 11 people in August last year.

Sussex Police went to the High Court to have the films released but were refused yesterday.

 Horror scenes . . . 11 people died in the Shoreham air crash disaster
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Horror scenes . . . 11 people died in the Shoreham air crash disasterCredit: NEWZULU

But footage from two cockpit cameras on the 1955 Hawker Hunter jet will be handed over.

The force had been locked in the legal battle for their release since July.

It has delayed the inquest due to be heard last month. It now might not take place until 2018.

Mr Hill, 52, was questioned under caution by police last December.

Material gathered by the AAIB is usually treated as confidential to ensure witnesses can speak freely.

 Shoreham pilot Andy Hill seen out walking his dog in Sandon, Essex, as manslaughter charges hang over his head
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Shoreham pilot Andy Hill seen out walking his dog in Sandon, Essex, as manslaughter charges hang over his headCredit: Fame Flynet
 People wait to leave floral tributes on the Toll Bridge in Shoreham, West Sussex, ahead of a memorial to mark the one year anniversary in August
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People wait to leave floral tributes on the Toll Bridge in Shoreham, West Sussex, ahead of a memorial to mark the one year anniversary in AugustCredit: PA:Press Association

Det Ch Insp Paul Rymarz said the force was pleased the court had granted access to "some of the material" it was seeking for its investigation.

He said: "We understand that legally this case is without precedent in England and Wales and we accept the reasons why our request has not been granted in full.”

"We remain committed to finding answers for the families and friends of those who died."