A number of people have been injured following an incident at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, with the remainder of Friday's programme now cancelled.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) said it was called to Wiston Park, Steyning, shortly after 3.30pm and confirmed at least six patients.

Ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams are at the scene alongside other emergency services.

Sussex Police said officers were called at around 3.38pm following “reports of a sign having fallen and injured a number of people at the site in Washington Road”.

Police remain at the scene assisting other emergency services.

Big Church Festival has since confirmed that the rest of Friday's programme has been cancelled following what organisers described as a “serious incident”.

"All day visitors must leave the site now," organisers said in a statement, with campers being asked to return to their campsites and await further updates. Campers are also being allowed to leave the site if they wish.

Earlier, attendees had been instructed to return to their tents or remain in the main arena.

“We've been told that the site is on lockdown, with people not allowed to get in or out,” said Premier's James Lewis, who is at the festival.

A safety announcement displayed on the big screen at the main stage read:

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, the show has been stopped. Any campers please head back to the campsite immediately. Any non-campers please remain in the main arena.”

GOD TV's broadcast from the festival has also been suspended.

Sussex Police has warned of possible traffic disruption in the area and urged members of the public to seek alternative routes where possible.

Police said they had no further information at this stage but would provide updates when available.

This is a breaking story. We will update with more details as we get them.