A man is in a critical condition after being hit by a stray firework at Lewes Bonfire.

The 21-year-old from Brighton was hit in the chest by a rocket at the celebrations on Friday night, a spokesman for emergency care charity South East Coast Immediate Care Scheme (SIMCAS), said.

The man suffered serious burns to his chest and underwent emergency surgery after being rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

He is now said to be in a critical but stable condition in intensive care.

The man is a member of the Commercial Square Bonfire Society.

Dr Alan Pearce of SIMCAS, which provides qualified doctors or nurses at the scene of an emergency when requested by the fire, police or ambulance service, said the man was lucky to be alive.

He added: "Our role as pre-hospital emergency doctors is to provide specialist skills in just these situations.

"The Lewes bonfire celebrations are always a very busy time for the ambulance service and this incident highlights the very real dangers of fireworks."

Dr Pearce was part of a team of six medics that worked alongside the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) and St John Ambulance services at the event.

Despite the incident, Sussex Police hailed last night's Lewes Bonfire event as the biggest and best yet.

About 40,000 people crowded into the town's narrow streets to watch the parade and the different bonfire societies firework displays.

A total of 23 arrests were made, most of which were for drunken behaviour, possession of class C drugs and a couple of minor assaults. There were no serious incidents.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance dealt with 127 people, with 14 needing hospital treatment for minor injuries.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service reported a quiet Lewes Bonfire and only dealt with a couple of small-scale incidents, including a firework which flew through a first floor bedroom window of a house in Stansfield Road, Lewes, at about 11.17pm.

About 21,000 people travelled into Lewes by train and British Transport Police and Sussex Police officers were on hand to help manage the crowds and minimise the risk of injuries and damage to property.

The event is the largest annual policing operation in East Sussex, with in excess of 400 officers deployed this year to support the Lewes Community.

Two police bonfire liaison officers are assigned to each of the six bonfire societies to act as a communication link between police and organisers, and to ensure Sussex Police can respond effectively to any incident or emergency.

Superintendent Tony Blaker said: “We have worked hard, over many months, to support the bonfire societies and people of Lewes to ensure the community enjoyed the celebrations in a safe and comfortable environment.”

Did you see what happened? Please call The Argus on 01273 544543.Leave your messages of support below.