Britain has recorded what is believed to be its first hot air balloon death in more than 10 years after a man died when his craft burst into flames mid air.

Witnesses described how the blue-coloured balloon turned into a “fireball” before plummeting into trees in Worcester at about 6.20am on Sunday.

Paramedics declared the man, believed to be in his 20s, dead at the scene.

The tragedy occurred after hundreds of people enjoyed the first Worcester Balloon Festival at the city’s racecourse. Organisers insisted the crash was not connected to the event.

The festival was cancelled in May because of bad weather and was rearranged to take place from Friday to Saturday evening.