Shoreham Airshow crash investigators seek High Court ruling on access to records

Investigators into the plane crash at the Shoreham Airshow which killed 11 people have asked the High Court for a ruling over access to key information.

At a hearing in London on Thursday, contested by the Department for Transport, Sussex Police applied to see "protected records" held by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Regulations prevent the release of certain AAIB material without the approval of the court.

The Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas and Mr Justice Singh will have to decide whether the benefits of disclosure outweigh the adverse domestic and international impact that such action may have on that or any future safety investigation.

Pilot Andrew Hill, 52, was thrown clear from the 1955 Hawker Hunter when it came down on the A27 in August 2015 and survived life-threatening injuries.

Earlier this month, Sussex Police confirmed that Mr Hill was being investigated for possible endangerment pursuant to Article 138 Air Navigation Order 2009 and also manslaughter by gross negligence.

The police are asking for copies of reports relating to human factors, engineering, tests and speed calculations as well as film footage of the flight, records of interviews with Mr Hill and a risk assessment report.

The hearing was adjourned until Friday when the judges are expected to reserve their decision.