Hot air balloon pops in on startled Shrewsbury neighbourhood
[gallery] This is the dramatic moment a hot air balloon made an unscheduled landing just yards from a row of houses in Shropshire.
Startled residents looked on as the distinctive red Virgin balloon came to rest at Castle Walk in Shrewsbury.
The balloon's pilot was forced to bring the aircraft to rest in the park after initially landing in school grounds – but then discovering the gates were locked and there was no way to get the balloon and its passengers out.
A lamppost was damaged as the balloon was moved from the school field to the neighbouring park in the incident on Saturday night.
A spokesman for Virgin Balloon Flights said: "One of our balloons, carrying 16 passengers and pilot, took off from Battlefield, Shrewsbury, at 5.40pm in fine conditions.
"The balloon drifted south and, after the usual hour's flight, the wind calmed, so the experienced pilot performed a safe, upright landing in the Wakeman School playing field.
"Rather than risk flying on and potentially becoming stranded over the town, the pilot decided to hop the balloon over the fence into the neighbouring park.
"Unfortunately the rope got caught on a tree and a lamppost which was damaged.
"No-one was hurt and after the balloon was deflated, by about 8.30pm.
"We apologise for the damage caused and will make arrangements with the council to ensure it is repaired as soon as possible. We also thank police for their assistance."
