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Lewes bonfire celebrations attract 40,000 people

BBC A torchlit procession of people all wearing striped tops. There are crowds along the edge of the street and on balconies above the street.BBC
Police said the event was busier than last year

An estimated 40,000 people attended the annual bonfire event in Lewes to mark Guy Fawkes Night.

The different bonfire societies marched with huge effigies and holding burning torches along the East Sussex town's crowded streets on Tuesday.

Sussex Police said the celebrations were busier than last year, but by midnight the majority of the crowd had dispersed. Officers confirmed four arrests were made with three men still in custody.

Chief Supt Howard Hodges said: "We thank the public for their support to ensure the Lewes Bonfire celebrations were once again a spectacular event that have been enjoyed safely."

Shutterstock An image of a large effigy of a woman on top of a Post Office van driven by the cartoon character Postman Pat and including a postbox. There are people around the display wearing red and white striped clothing and there are flame torches in the background.Shutterstock
Effigies paraded through the streets included one of Paula Vennells, the former chief executive of the Post Office

One effigy highlighted sewage and water quality concerns, while another featured Paula Vennells the former chief executive of the Post Office during the Horizon scandal.

Police confirmed paramedics from St John Ambulance and South East Coast Ambulance treated 46 people, with three taken to hospital.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service also dealt with a small number of incidents.

In a social media post, a police spokesperson said: "The Lewes Bonfire celebrations are both unique and challenging, requiring months of planning and preparation by emergency services, local authorities, transport operators, and partner agencies who have worked closely with bonfire societies and the local community."

Shutterstock A torchlit procession with flaming crosses in the foreground which is seen stretching back along a long street and with a banner in the foreground which holds the words Southover Bonfire Society and a picture of a skeleton in a black hooded cape.Shutterstock
The event was attended by an estimated 40,000 people

Police confirmed two men, aged 24 and 25, respectively, were arrested on suspicion of common assault, and a third man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place. They are currently in custody.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knuckle duster but has since been de-arrested.

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