UPDATE: Shoreham Airport release statement after plane crash

A spokesman from the airport said: “This was a tragic accident and our thoughts at this difficult time are with the pilot’s family.

“The incident is now in the hands of The Department of Transport’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the Sussex Police to establish exactly what happened.

“We are now awaiting their report.”

Two aircraft were in collision over Shoreham shortly before 4.30pm yesterday.

One of the aircraft crashed onto Adur Recreation Ground.

The 63-year-old pilot was declared dead at the scene.

Wreckage was strewn over a wide area and police cordoned off the main site and another at Beach Green.

The second aircraft, a Diamond DA40, landed safely.

The two crew were shaken, but otherwise uninjured.

Traffic in the area was significantly affected and the A259 was closed between the Saltings roundabout and Norfolk Bridge roundabout.

Superintendent Neil Honnor, from Sussex Police, said: “This is a very tragic incident.

“It would appear that the dead pilot tried to avoid local houses and managed to crash into the open recreation ground.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”