Police have urged people not to attend one of the UK's most popular bonfire evenings due to overcrowding – with more than 200 injuries reported at the event since 2019.

The East Sussex town of Lewes, sometimes referred to as the 'bonfire capital of the world', is known for burning effigies of controversial politicians and celebrities on November 5th each year.

Although the event is held for local residents, thousands of people come to the city each year to watch the torchlight parades that wind through the streets.

In recent years, Sussex Police have warned people to stick to local bonfire evenings to prevent overcrowding in Lewes.

In a statement ahead of Tuesday's celebrations, police said there remained “serious concerns” about the number of people who could attend the event and urged people from outside the city to stay away.

According to police, 212 injuries have been reported at the event over the past five years and 17 people have been hospitalized.

Many of them were injured on procession routes and by firecrackers and other fireworks.

Sussex Police said “tens of thousands” of people are expected in the city on Tuesday and that the area around the war memorial will be particularly busy.

To reduce footfall, trains will stop in Lewes and four of the surrounding towns from 5pm, while the last train back to London Victoria leaves at 3.54pm, although November 5th falls on a weekday this year.

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Visit Lewes also urged people not to travel into the city for the night of the bonfire, saying that “the combination of dense crowds, lit flares and fireworks can be dangerous”.

There will also be road closures as part of the event.

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Sussex Chief Constable Howard Hodges added: “Unfortunately, every year the event takes place we make arrests, including for offenses such as assault (including against police officers), criminal damage and drug possession. This is clearly not acceptable.”

“Our officers will be supporting partner agencies and Lewes District Council this evening to ensure public safety and we are committed to ensuring this is an event that everyone can enjoy safely.”

Lewes District Council's director of tourism, Becky Cooke, said those living outside Lewes could watch a video livestream of the event on Rocket FM to follow the celebrations “without increasing the risk of overcrowding in the town must”. .