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Lewes bonfire celebrations attended by an estimated 40,000 people
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Lewes bonfire celebrations attended by an estimated 40,000 people

BBC A procession of people, all wearing striped tops and carrying torches. There are crowds on the streets and on the balconies on 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.

Different Bonfire troupes marched with giant statues and burning torches along the street of the East Sussex town. 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 three people were still in custody and four people had been arrested.

Chief Supt Howard Hodges said: “We thank the public for their support to ensure the Lewes Bonfire celebrations are once again a fantastic event enjoyed safely.”

Shutterstock Image of a large female statue atop a Post Office van containing a mailbox, driven by the cartoon character Postman Pat. There are people wearing red and white striped clothes around the exhibit, and there are flaming torches in the background.Shutterstock

Among the statues displayed on the streets was former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells

One puppet highlighted concerns about sewage and water quality, while another featured Paula Vennells, the former chief executive of the Post Office at the time of 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.

A police spokesperson said in a social media post: “Lewes Bonfire celebrations are both unique and challenging“It requires months of planning and preparation by emergency services, local authorities, transport operators and partner agencies working closely with bonfire communities and the local community.”

A torchlight procession along a long street, with flaming crosses in the foreground, a banner with the words Southover Bonfire Society and an image of a skeleton in a black hooded cloak.Shutterstock

Approximately 40,000 people attended the event

Police confirmed that two men, aged 24 and 25 respectively, were arrested on suspicion of common assault, while 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 possessing a knuckle duster, but his arrest was later discontinued.