Overview

• Emergency services were called just after 9:20am near Newpound Common, Wisborough Green, and the body was found in a field at about 1:50pm following a search using drones, officers and dogs.
• Police have identified the deceased as a 33-year-old from Watford, and his family has been informed.
• The passenger was on a flight with 16 other customers and a pilot from Billingshurst to Dunsfold, and had purchased the experience.
• The Commercial Ballooning Association says flight video appears to show a passenger climbing out of the basket, with the footage submitted to police, a claim not independently confirmed by the force.
• Virgin Balloon Flights says it is cooperating with authorities and focusing on the wellbeing of those on board.