Chief Constable Giles York yesterday placed flowers at Shoreham Tollbridge which overlooks the scene of the crash.

Mr York said the disaster was one of the most “harrowing” experiences of his life and would leave a permanent scar on the community.

The families of some of those killed in Saturday’s tragedy also visited the makeshift shrine on the bridge which has become a focal point of the community’s grief.

My York said: “This is probably the most devastating incident to ever affect the community in Shoreham.

“It will always live in the memories of this community and some people will bear the scars for a very long time to come.

“We are determined that we will find answers for families who have lost their loved ones, we have 24 dedicated family liaison officers helping families and we are working in support of the coroner to allow her to carry out her inquests.

“The reaction from local people has been really heart-warming. I am incredibly impressed with how the community has responded and I must pay tribute to our own staff and those of the other emergency services and agencies who have responded to what is a dreadful scene.

“Over 20 different agencies are working hard to find answers for the families affected by this devastating disaster.

“I have nothing but praise for the everyday heroism from my officers in the way they have responded to this incident.

“Members of staff who were at family barbecues and football matches at the Amex came in to work just because it was the right thing to do.

“And I want to thank the local community for their huge generosity in helping my officers help those families.”

Mr York also thanked the public for their patience during the closure of the A27 and said the road would be closed until at least Monday and will then be reduced to one lane in each direction.

Eleven people are still believed to have been killed in the crash – as specialist officers will today begin their sixth day of searches at the scene.

Chauffeur Maurice Abrahams, 76, of Woodingdean, footballers Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, both 23 and from Brighton, and Littlehampton personal trainer Matt Jones are known to have died in the crash.

Mr Jones’ friend Daniele Polito, who is thought to have been in the car with him at the time, and motorcyclist Mark Trussler are still missing.

Daniele’s best friend Alex Gibson, 23, said yesterday he kept ringing his phone, praying he would answer.

He said: “Since Sunday morning I’ve been trying to ring his mobile but it keeps going straight to voice mail.

“For someone that you’ve known for 15 years to be suddenly taken out of your life is horrible. It’s heartbreaking.”

Pilot Andy Hill, who has been placed in a medically induced coma, was yesterday moved to a specialist hospital unit. He remains in a critical but stable condition.

Meanwhile West Sussex County Council’s senior coroner Penny Schofield said the formal identification of the victims has begun.

A number of vigils are being organised for Saturday to mark a week since the crash.

A service will be held in Lancing Manor Park at 1pm while a further event will be held as part of the Shoreham River Fest including a candlelit vigil at Adur Ferry Bridge from 8pm.

An official memorial service is expected to be held at Lancing College Chapel in the coming weeks – but no definite date has yet been set.

The British Red Cross has opened a support line for people affected by the disaster. Trained volunteers will be offering emotional support and practical advice to anyone calling 0203 417 0300.