Death toll likely rise to 11 in air crash in southeast Britain

The death toll in an air crash on Saturday in West Sussex, southeastern Britain was "highly likely" to rise to 11, local police said Sunday.

"Sadly, as a result of our initial work at the site, ... we have now identified 11 people who we are treating as highly likely to have died in this tragedy," said Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry of Sussex Police.

A Hawker Hunter jet crashed into a main road at about 1:20 p.m. Saturday while performing during the Shoreham Airshow. Sussex Police said the aircraft failed to pull out of a dive.

Previous reports from local police on Saturday said seven people died and more than ten people were injured in the incident, and have been treated for their injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry said the task of clearing the scene has started, while investigation is underway.

"This has been an enormously traumatic incident and our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the incident, from those who have suffered bereavement to those in the local community who are deeply shocked," he said.

Some victims have been named by their families earlier on Sunday, according to local media, though there's no formal identifications from the police. The Police said the formal processes haven't been completed yet at this moment.

The pilot, who was pulled from the wreckage on the site remains in a critical condition in a local hospital.

The road is still closed and will close for several days as investigation and maintaining works will continue, the police said.