One river rescue and six arrests made at Lewes Bonfire Night 2021

Sussex Police are thanking those who made the event mostly trouble free

Author: Sophie CridlandPublished 6th Nov 2021
Last updated 6th Nov 2021

An unexpected 30,000 people flocked to the Lewes Bonfire 2021 celebrations despite officials asking people from outside of the area not to attend because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Measures such as travel restrictions were put in place but the event was busier than the celebrations in 2019.

Sussex Police have described the night as “largely trouble free” as six people were arrested.

One person was rescued from the river at around 18:20 but they did not need hospital treatment.

The St John’s Ambulance and South West Coast Ambulance services were busy as they treated around 50 people.

Those included a number with eye and hand injuries.

Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges said: "I'd like to thank the community of Lewes for behaving responsibly and allowing tonight's bonfire celebrations to pass without significant incident.

"A very small and isolated minority of people chose to engage in crime and/or disorder but were dealt with effectively by our officers on the ground, minimising any disruption to the proceedings and helping us to keep people safe.

“It has taken months of planning and preparation by emergency services, local authorities and transport operators who have worked closely with bonfire societies and the local community.”

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