A 41-year-old man has died and at least six people have been injured after a large sign collapsed at a Christian festival in West Sussex, prompting organisers to shut down the event and police to launch an investigation.
Sussex Police said officers were called to the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park, near Steyning, at about 15:38 BST on Friday following reports of the incident.
The man, who was from Eastbourne, died at the scene, while at least six other people were taken to hospital for treatment, according to police.
Following the incident, festival organisers announced that the event would be brought to an early end.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said police understood the serious impact the incident would have had on people attending the festival as officers worked to establish how the sign collapsed.
"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 the local authority have also been informed, Sussex Police said.
Festival organisers said their thoughts were with everyone affected by the incident, adding that their immediate focus was on the wellbeing of those involved and ensuring people could leave the site safely.
Theo Saville, who was attending the festival, said a "large wooden sign" had fallen close to the entrance of a tented area.
"The sign fell in the direction of the wind," he told the BBC.
He said festivalgoers were later instructed to return to their tents, while an air ambulance arrived at the site.
"Soon after we were told to return to tents, and an air ambulance landed."
Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said he was concerned after hearing reports of casualties at the festival.
"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 also expressed its support for those affected and the emergency teams responding to the incident.
"We pray for all involved in this accident and those responding."
Visitors ordered to leave
Earlier, festival organisers told people attending for the day to leave the site, while those staying overnight were asked to remain at their campsites and wait for further instructions.
"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 given the option of leaving the festival grounds if they wanted to.
Police warned that traffic disruption was expected around the area and urged members of the public to avoid the site.
The Big Church Festival, which describes itself as the UK's biggest Christian festival, was established in 2009.
This year's sold-out festival opened on Friday and had been scheduled to continue through to Sunday before the incident brought the event to an early close.