WORTHING MP Tim Loughton has slammed the authorities over a delay into Shoreham Airshow disaster probe.

The senior Tory, whose constituency includes the crash site, said the delay over the decision whether to bring criminal charges was unacceptable.

It comes after it was announced yesterday the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) would not be making a decision on whether to bring charges against pilot Andrew Hill.

Eleven men were killed when a Hawker Hunter jet crashed during a display at the Shoreham Airshow on Saturday, August 22 ,2015.

Speaking at a Parliamentary debate in Westminster Hall, Mr Loughton said: “The families still have no idea whether anyone will actually be charged and held responsible for the deaths of their loved ones.

“I think that is disgraceful.

“There has been a ping pong between the police and the CPS as to whether files and complete information have been presented to the CPS or not.

“It was only confirmed back in the beginning of December that all the files required were with the CPS.

“Of course want a thorough investigation as to what’s happened, but does it really need to take this long?

“They need to make a decision one way or the other as to whether a prosecution can go ahead, and if not, explain fully to the families why there are not grounds for a prosecution.

“We are in a state of limbo that is holding up the entire process, and that is just completely unacceptable.”

As a result of the CPS delay, the pre-inquest review at West Sussex Coroner’s Court scheduled for later this month has been postponed until March.

Coroner Penelope Schofield described the postponement as regrettable, but with no decision from the CPS little progress could be made.

Ms Schofield indicated she was still working towards holding the full inquest in the autumn if no criminal charges are brought.

But if the CPS decides to bring criminal charges, the inquest will be adjourned.

James Healy-Pratt, of Stewarts Law, the firm representing most of the families, said he envisages a decision will be made by the CPS in March.

He said: “It is out of control of the families and the West Sussex Coroner.

Sussex Police have now done their investigation and it is the CPS who have to go through their procedures.

“The families hoped there would be a decision by the pre-inquest review this month, now we understand that is not right.

“But we do understand that it is realistic to expect a decision by March.

“We have to appreciate it’s a complex and difficult case, and the families want to make sure no corners are cut as well.”

A CPS spokesman said: “The CPS received a full file of evidence from Sussex Police at the end of November 2017.

“The file is now under consideration and a charging decision will be made in due course.”