The search for wreckage from a jet which crashed into the sea in front of thousands of spectators at an air show has been called off.

For three weeks, divers have been scouring the seabed off Eastbourne looking for pieces of the Delfin L-29 plane which crashed during an aerobatics display, killing its pilot.

A large section of the fuselage, cockpit instruments and ejector seat have all been recovered, along with the latest crucial find, the aircraft's engine.

The battered and rusted piece of metal has been taken to the Air Accident Investigation Bureau's headquarters in Hampshire.

Expects hope to find the cause of crash which saw the 40-year-old plane plunge into the sea at high speed on August 19 during Airbourne 2000.

Pilot Ted Girdler, 63, a former Red Arrows member, died instantly.

An inquest is expected to be held in Eastbourne early next year.

Meanwhile, investigators are also studying video camera footage taken by people at the popular event.

An AAIB spokesman said: "A number of pieces of the plane have now been recovered. In all we have probably less than half of the aircraft but we have all we need.

"The search has now been called off."

The spokesman said it would take around six months to confirm the cause of the crash.

Coastguards today repeated warnings for the public not to touch pieces of the plane washed up. Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Bernascone at Eastbourne police station on 0845 60 70 999.