Lewes bonfire night effigies include 'ghost train'

Prime Minister Theresa May, Boris Johnson and a strike-hit rail firm went up in smoke at the annual bonfire celebrations in Lewes.

Up to 30,000 people turned out to watch effigies of the three divisive figures go up in flames.

The event, staged by six bonfire societies, is renowned for burning satirical images of high-profile people.

Rail operator Govia Thameslink (GTR), also came under fire during the event.

360 video: Discover what it is like to be at Lewes bonfire

Lewes Borough Bonfire Society (LBBS) created a "ghost train" criticising the firm for not stopping in the town.

In a tweet, the society wrote: "The LBBS are full steam ahead unlike [GTR]."

Lewes was one of the towns hit by major disruption during a prolonged dispute between Govia Thameslink and the unions over railway working practices.

An effigy of Theresa May in a leopard print swimsuit showed her bailing out a "number 10" pedalo

Burning crosses are paraded through Lewes each year to mark the burning of 17 Protestant martyrs

The Ghost Train ridiculed train services in Lewes which have been affected by long-running industrial disputes

Other effigies included one of Boris Johnson wielding a bloody axe and what appeared to be the severed head of Prime Minister Theresa May.

Boris Johnson was shown wielding an axe and what appeared to be the severed head of Theresa May

Early sightings of effigies of Mrs May found their way on to social media during the preparations for the big night.

Julie Mann tweeted: "I take my business seriously but not myself. Life's too short. Are you able to handle other people's opinions? Walking through #Lewes I saw this #effigy on its way to the #bonfire. I reckon it's a certain #politician with a bag over her head! #bonfirenight See the funny side"

Another effigy appeared to show Mrs May driving a red Brexit bus off a cliff with the Beachy Head lighthouse to one side and Jacob Rees-Mogg on the back.

Each bonfire society adopts its own dress code for the evening

As many as 60,000 people have attended Lewes Bonfire Night in the past.

In 2017, an effigy of North Korea leader Kim Jong-un was paraded through the streets, and models of Donald Trump, Vladamir Putin and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad have also gone up in flames in previous years.

In 2011, Libya's ex leader Col Muammar Gaddafi's effigy was burned, a month after he died following the uprising that ended his 40-year rule.

Fireworks and hand-held torches are part of each society's procession through the town

Sussex Police said 70 people were treated for mostly minor injuries.

Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of a class A drug, with one remaining in custody.

A 19-year-old woman has been charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Supt Howard Hodges, from Sussex Police, said: "Whilst recognising the importance of seasonal festivities including Lewes Bonfire it is important that both the events held and that those attending them are safe."

Road closures and parking restrictions were in place and no trains were calling at Lewes, Falmer, Glynde or Southease until Tuesday.