Shoreham Airshow crash: Worthing United footballers among victims

Three of the victims of the Shoreham Airshow crash have been named as Worthing United footballers Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, and personal trainer Matt Jones.

The footballers were on their way to play a match against Loxwood FC when they were caught up in the incident.

The death of Mr Jones, 24, was confirmed on Facebook by his sister, Becky Jones, who said: "Thank you to everyone who has messaged me. We are devastated to say Matt Jones was one of the fatalities."

Mr Grimstone was a goalkeeper with the non-league club, while Mr Schilt played in midfield.

The game against Loxwood, which was due to kick off at 3pm at Worthing United's Robert Albon Memorial Ground in Worthing, was called off following the tragedy.

The trio were among seven people killed when a Hawker Hunter jet crashed into the A27 after it failed to pull up from a loop manoeuvre during a display at the show.

The plane plummeted on to the A27 and burst into a huge fireball, ploughing across the busy road just yards from cars and a group of people.

Several cars were hit by the burning aircraft, police said, one of which was a wedding car on its way to pick up a bride to take her to her wedding, the Sun On Sunday reported.

The pilot, named in reports as British Airways pilot Andy Hill, is fighting for his life in hospital in a critical condition.

Some 14 people were injured, four of whom were taken to hospital, after the jet crashed at around 1.20pm yesterday, shortly after beginning its display in front of thousands of spectators.

Worthing United play in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division, and were division two league and cup winners last season.

Littlehampton Town Football Club, which plays in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division, tweeted its condolences, saying: "Our thoughts and condolences to Worthing United FC for the tragic loss of Matt and Jacob in yesterday's incident.

"Our thoughts also to local lad Matt Jones known by many of the players who also tragically lost his life in the incident at Shoreham."