Friday 10th November 2023

Sussex Alerts - Lewes Police

Lewes Bonfire update

Thousands of people enjoyed the spectacle of the Lewes Bonfire celebrations again this year.

The historic event, which is one of the biggest of its kind in the country, attracted as many as 20,000 people onto the streets of Lewes on November 4.

For the vast majority who attended, this year was again another highlight of the year.

Following the event, Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable Howard Hodges said: “This year’s bonfire celebrations passed without significant incident, and on behalf of the multi-agency group, I'd like to pass on our thanks to the community of Lewes for adhering to the message to stay local for bonfire events.

“Emergency services, local authorities and transport operators worked closely with Bonfire societies and with volunteers and the local community to prepare for the night.

“Police made three arrests during the event, while four people were taken to hospital with injuries.

“Planning for the Lewes Bonfire celebrations always begins the day after the last one and it is both complex and challenging in equal measure both for us and the full range of multi-agency partners who work together to keep people safe.

“We are pleased that overall this was an event that the vast majority of those attending could enjoy.

“Planning is now already underway for Bonfire night in 2024.”

Cllr Wendy Maples, Lead Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Wellbeing at Lewes District Council, said: "So many people worked behind the scenes to ensure the success of this year's event - for which I know the town and its Bonfire Societies are very grateful.

"I would like to thank the emergency services, St John's Ambulance service and council staff in Regulatory Services and Neighbourhood First for making sure this was a safe event.

"Huge thanks to the Environment First crew for their fantastic work through the night to make sure Lewes was looking clean and tidy well before most people were out of bed.”

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "As fireworks season continues, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind everyone to follow the firework code and take extra care with bonfires.

"More advice and details of organised events can be found at www.esfrs.org/local."

Arrests at Lewes Bonfire 

A man has been remanded in custody, charged with motoring and drugs offences after police made an arrest at the Lewes Bonfire celebrations.

Officers were alerted to a motorcycle in Court Road in Lewes, which then travelled towards the main procession.

The rider was stopped by officers and security stewards and was arrested near the junction of Cliffe High Street and Friars Walk at about 7pm on Saturday, November 4.

Now, police can confirm that a male was arrested at the scene and was taken into custody.

The 31-year-old electrician of Woodingdean, Brighton, was subsequently charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving while disqualified, driving without valid insurance, possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, and possession of a class B drug with intent to supply.

He appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 6, to answer the charges, and was remanded in custody to appear before Lewes Crown Court on December 4 this year.

As legal proceedings are active in this case, officers investigating the incident have asked the public not to speculate about the incident online or on social media.

ASB patrols this weekend

Our additional ASB targeting patrols will be out tonight and Saturday night between 17:00 – 22:00 pm.

Call us on 07464 511216 to report anti-social behaviour (ASB) directly to teams out across the Lewes and Seahaven districts

Each weekend, additional officers head out on patrol in areas which have seen an increase in or reporting of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and youth related crime and disorder - these areas are directed by your reports, please continue to use the contact number provided at weekends, and report ASB at the time it is happening.

Outside of these time, please continue to report ASB online or to 101 - in an emergency/crime in action always call 999.

Click, Call & Connect

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk,  (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).

Call 101 when you don’t require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.

Connect with us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.