Six people have been injured by a falling sign at a Christian festival in West Sussex.

Emergency services were called to reports of multiple people in need of medical attention at Big Church Festival, near Steyning, shortly after 15:30 BST on Friday.

Ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams are at the scene, according to South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Organisers said that the event had been “paused” following a “serious incident” and that no further programming would take place on Friday.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been directly impacted by the incident,” the organisers added.

“We understand this will be deeply disappointing for the thousands who have joined us at the festival.”

Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said: “Concerned to hear reports of casualties at the Big Church festival at Wiston.

“There have certainly been strong gusts of wind during the course of this afternoon locally.

“My thoughts are with all of those impacted at this time and those responding to the incident.”

The Diocese of Chichester said: “We pray for all involved in this accident and those responding.”

The festival said that it was working closely with emergency services and the authorities, with further announcements to be made as more information becomes available.

“We are grateful for the understanding, patience, and prayers of our community at this time,” it added.

Organisers earlier wrote on social media that “all day visitors must leave the site now.”

“If you are camping with us, please return to your campsite and await further updates,” they added.

Campers were also able to leave the site if they wished to do so.

Traffic disruption is expected in the area, and the public are urged to seek alternative routes, Sussex Police said.

Officers said they were called to the site off Washington Road at about 15:40 and remained at the scene.

The Big Church Festival – which describes itself as the UK’s biggest Christian festival – was founded in 2009.

This year’s sold-out edition of the event started on Friday and was set to run until Sunday.

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