TWO police officers involved in a selfie video at the scene of the Shoreham Airshow disaster have resigned after a misconduct hearing.

The new recruits have left the force after they filmed a selfie while working at the cordon of the disaster, in which 11 people died. It was sent to a colleague via SnapChat with an offensive message.

The Chief Constable of Sussex Police received a recommendation from Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith that the two probationary police officers, investigated in relation to the behaviour following the jet crash, should be dismissed.

The Brighton-based officers, aged 23 and 24, appeared before Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith on September 30. He assessed the evidence and submitted a detailed report to the Chief Constable this week.

Both officers have since offered their resignations, which they have a right to do under Regulation 13, a disciplinary process for officers on probation. Their resignations have been accepted.

Chief Constable Giles York said: "We, along with the public, expect the highest standards of professional behaviour. An investigation has taken place and I am reassured that Sussex Police has responded promptly and fairly.

"The men, who have less than two years' service, are clearly remorseful and have acknowledged the impact of what they had done.

"But when it really mattered the officers failed to show understanding and compassion for the victims and their families. 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."

The force used a regulation process specifically for probationary officers, in line with Home Office guidance. Regulation 13 is in place to protect the public if officers demonstrate behaviours that show they are not suited to the job during their probationary period. Regulation 13 also allows officers to resign during this process.

Deputy Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said earlier this month she did not believe they made an “honest mistake” and said she did not believe the officers were “likely to become well-conducted constables” based on the evidence she had seen.

She said: “I don’t believe this behaviour was an honest mistake. Instead, it was a deliberate choice to behave in a wholly disrespectful way.

“I would like to apologise again to the victims’ families for the unnecessary distress this has undoubtedly caused them.”

The tragic accident happened when a Hawker Hunter jet crashed on to the A27 near Shoreham Airport during the site's annual airshow. Eleven people died, though the pilot has recovered to the point of being able to walk around on his own.

Due to the extent of the devastation, the road, pictured above, was closed for several weeks and remains partially closed while investigations continue.