Alex Salmond bonfire effigies ‘will not be burned’

Two effigies of Alex Salmond have been withdrawn from bonfire night celebrations in an English town after thousands of complaints online.

A storm erupted on social media after East Sussex County Council tweeted a ‘sneak preview’ picture of a figure of Alex Salmond and Nessie being prepared for the Lewes bonfire.

However, Sussex Police have said neither effigy would be burned this evening.

Just after 9pm, the police force tweeted: “For those enquiring we have been advised that there won’t be any burning of the Alex Salmond effigies this evening in Lewes.”

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said it had nothing to do with creating the dummy.

The council also deleted the initial tweet that started the social media storm.

“The image was just a shot as something unusual passed the building and it has no connection to us at all,” he said.

“It is owned by Waterloo Bonfire Society and has no connection to the council whatsoever.”