AIRSHOW organisers have hit back at a reports in national newspapers claiming crowds were left terrified following a “sick” display.

A number of national newspapers reported that onlookers were “terrified” as the vintage Sally B B-17 Flying Fortress flew over Clacton Airshow last Thursday and Friday simulating smoke pouring out from under its wing.

It was reported that an unnamed spectator feared the plane was going to crash - and that it was in “poor taste” as it came just five days after the crash at Shoreham Airshow on August 22, which saw 11 people killed.

Neil Stock, leader of Tendring Council, which runs the show, said it had not received a single complaint about the Sally B’s display, which sees smoke released on the aircraft’s final flypast in memory of members of Bomber Command.

“What the Sally B did was part of its standard airshow display that takes place up and down the country," said Mr Stock.

“We are outraged that a fitting and sensitive tribute to those brave soldiers who lost their lives in the Second World War has been sensationalised and linked to the tragic events in Shoreham.

“The commentator made a clear announcement during the fly past about the tribute which was met with a fitting round of applause from the huge crowd.

“For this wonderful mark of respect to be twisted in such a fashion is in poor taste and a complete misrepresentation of the truth.

“I’m disappointed they chose to make a story out of nothing and looked to sensationalise something with a link to the tragedy in Shoreham. I think it’s very inappropriate.”

The airshow had been hailed as the “best ever” and saw more than 220,000 flight fans descend upon Clacton.

The Sally B, which featured in the movie Memphis Belle, is the last remaining flight worthy American B-17 in Europe.