Lewes Bonfire was “a spectacular event” and passed off safely, according to the senior officer in charge of policing the event last night (Tuesday 5 November).
Chief Superintendent 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.”
There were four arrests and paramedics treated 46 people, with three taken to hospital as 40,000 people were estimated to have crowded into the streets of the county town.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue said that crews “attended a small number of Bonfire-related incidents between 7pm and midnight”.
Sussex Police said: “We would like to thank everyone who has helped make Lewes Bonfire such a successful night.
“It has been busier than the celebrations last year, with an estimated 40,000 people attending.
“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.
“St John Ambulance and South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics treated 46 people, including three patients who were transported to hospital.”
The arrests included a 15-year-old boy who was held on suspicion of having a knuckleduster. He was later “de-arrested”.
Two men – a 24-year-old and a 25-year-old man – were arrested on suspicion of common assault and another man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
The fire service said that three incidents were reported in Lewes
- At 7.57pm, there were reports of torches alight on the ground in Winterbourne Hollow. Crews were stood down before arriving.
- At 8.09pm, there were reports of torches setting a telegraph pole alight. Crews used firefighting foam and a hose reel to put the fire out.
- At 8.41pm, crews spotted smoking coming from a lamp post and worked with other agencies to make the area safe. A road closure was put in place.
The fire service also attended an incident in Brighton and Hove, adding: “At 9.04pm, we were called to reports of a firework in a bin in King’s Road, Brighton.
“Crews arrived at the scene by the Peace Statue and used a hose reel jet to put the fire out. Two bins in a storage area were damaged.”
