Four men have been arrested in connection with the burning of a gipsy caravan and effigies of a woman and children.

A further eight arrests are expected by the end of the week.

The arrests are in connection with a police investigation into allegations of inciting racial hatred at Firle, near Lewes, bonfire celebrations on October 25.

The four were released on police bail yesterday afternoon pending further inquiries.

Sussex Police said the suspects were being questioned about their alleged involvement in the burning.

A spokesman said: "Under the Public Order Act 1986 it is an offence to stir up racial hatred, either through words or behaviour.

"At the conclusion of the investigation a full file will be put to the Crown Prosecution Service to forward to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration."

Superintendent Grenville Wilson of East Downs Division said: "We recognise the concerns about events that happened at Firle.

"A full, open and thorough investigation is in the process of being carried out which will uncover all issues in this case.

"We are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service which will ultimately decide if there is a case to answer."

Lewes District Council member Andrew Small, who made a speech before the caravan was torched, later resigned from the Liberal Democrats but is continuing as a councillor.