Man dies after falling from hot air balloon

A man has died after falling from a hot air balloon.

He was reported to have fallen at about 9.20am on Friday near Newpound Common, Wisborough Green, West Sussex.

After a search, his body was found in a field at about 1.50pm.

Formal identification has yet to take place and the death is not being treated as suspicious.

It is understood he had been on a flight from Billingshurst to Dunsfold.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Police were called to a report of a man having fallen from a hot air balloon near Newpound Common, Wisborough Green, just after 9.20am on Friday (September 19).

“Following an extensive search the body of a man was sadly found in a field at 1.50pm.

“The search was carried out by neighbourhood officers, police drones, search officers and dogs.

“The man had been among a group of people on a balloon flight from Billingshurst to Dunsfold.

“Police have yet to formerly identify the man.

“An investigation is taking place as to the circumstances and at this time the incident is not being treated as suspicious.”