The tragedy happened on a military base in the west of Germany

Her body was found two hours later near the balloon, 40 miles (70km) away.

The freak accident happened when the girl became entangled in the mooring ropes of the balloon as it was taken by high winds.

It was about to be used for fun rides at a British military show at Rheindalen, near Moenchengladbach in western Germany.

British military spokeswoman Lt Col Helen Wildman said the plan was to lift people up and down with the balloon tethered to a rope on a hot, sunny day.

When the weather suddenly changed, high winds caught a large helium balloon that was tied to the ground.

The weather was very nice but suddenly it changed and it became extremely stormy

Lt Col Helen Wildman

She told BBC Radio 5 Live: "The weather was very nice but suddenly it changed and it became extremely stormy.

"The balloon broke away from the rope and flew away.

"Unfortunately, the rope got tangled with a five-year-old girl and dragged her away with the balloon.

"She was lifted in the air."

Counselling

The balloon was recovered first and the girl's body found nearby soon after.

Lt Col Wildman said nothing like this had ever happened before.

The parents, who are British service personnel, are being given psychological support.

The rest of the military show, which was to continue until Monday, has been cancelled.