Arabic version: إصابة ستة أشخاص إثر سقوط لافتة في مهرجان بغرب ساسكس

According to BBC News, six people were injured when a sign fell at the Big Church Festival near Steyning in West Sussex. Emergency services were called after reports that multiple people needed medical attention shortly after 15:30 BST on Friday.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams were at the scene. Sussex Police said officers were called to the site off Washington Road at about 15:40 and remained there.

Festival organisers said the event had been paused following a “serious incident” and that no further programming would take place on Friday. They said their thoughts and prayers were with people directly affected, adding that they understood the disruption would be disappointing for the thousands attending.

Organisers said they were working closely with emergency services and authorities, with further announcements expected when more information becomes available. They told day visitors to leave the site, while campers were asked to return to their campsites and await updates; campers could also leave if they wished.

Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said he was concerned by reports of casualties at the festival at Wiston, noting there had been strong gusts of wind locally during the afternoon. Sussex Police warned of expected traffic disruption and urged the public to use alternative routes. The sold-out festival, founded in 2009 and described as the UK’s biggest Christian festival, began on Friday and had been due to run until Sunday.