A 41-year-old man has died and at least six other people have been injured after reports a large sign had fallen at a Christian festival in West Sussex, police said.

Sussex Police said it was called to the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park, near Steyning, at about 15:38 BST on Friday.

At least six people were taken to hospital for treatment, and a 41-year-old man, from Eastbourne, died at the scene, the force said.

Organisers said following the incident the festival would be brought to a close.

Det Ch Supt Richard McDonagh said he recognised the “immense distress this will have caused people at the festival” and the police were working to establish what happened at the site in Washington Road.

“We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we’re urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to please come forward. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority have been informed, the force added.

Festival organisers said their thoughts were with those affected, and their immediate priority is the wellbeing of those involved and helping people leave the festival site safely.

Theo Saville, who was at the festival, said that a “large wooden sign” had collapsed near the entrance to a tented area.

“The sign fell in the direction of the wind,” he told the BBC.

“Soon after we were told to return to tents, and an air ambulance landed.”

Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said earlier on Friday: “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.”

Festival 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 have been urged to avoid the area by Sussex Police.

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 began on Friday and was due to run until Sunday.

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