Two police officers have resigned from their jobs after sending a “distressing” social media message from the scene of the Shoreham Airshow crash.
It allegedly included a short Snapchat video, including a selfie of themselves with a hashtag describing the disaster as a “human barbecue”.
The unnamed officers, aged 23 and 24, had been under investigation for gross misconduct and a senior officer had recommended that they be dismissed.
The pair sent the private message to a colleague, who immediately reported the incident to Sussex Police’s professional standards department.
Deputy Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said at the time that families of those killed in the disaster in August had been informed, with an apology for the “unnecessary distress”.
Eleven people died when a vintage Hawker Hunter jet plummeted on to the A27 in West Sussex during the Shoreham Airshow on 22 August.
Chief Constable Giles York said the men, who had been in their posts for less than two years and were on a probationary period, were “clearly remorseful” and acknowledged the impact of their actions on grieving relatives.
“But when it really mattered the officers failed to show understanding and compassion for the victims and their families,” he added.
“I am confident that they would not go on to become well-conducted officers.
“The police service has a national code of ethics that we expect officers and staff to abide by - including showing respect and courtesy.
“Officers and staff can be forgiven for making genuine mistakes, but the behaviour of these two officers was inexplicable and caused unnecessary distress to the families of those involved, for which we sincerely apologise.”
A disciplinary hearing for gross misconduct was held by the Professional Standards Department on 30 September, when Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith recommended the pair be dismissed.
Additional reporting by PA
