Lewes Bonfire halted while police stop biker riding into banned procession area

A witness told the Argus that officers stopped the motorbike before it might come into contact with spectators by tackling the man to the ground.

The incident took place at roughly 7.15pm at the bottom of the high street in Lewes.

The motorbike rider was pinned to the ground then bundled into the back of a police van, witnesses said.

The bonfire procession was temporarily halted but has since resumed.

Vehicles have been banned from driving in Lewes since midday today because of the event, expected to have attracted 30,000 to the area.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Officers responded to a motorcycle rider in Lewes High Street at about 7pm on November 4.

“A man was arrested by officers on suspicion of road traffic offences and remains in custody at this stage.”