A police investigation has been launched after villagers torched a caravan with traveller effigies inside as part of bonfire celebrations.

Racism watchdogs and travellers groups were furious at the tableau created by members of Firle Bonfire Society for the village event on Saturday, condemning the piece as an incitement to racial hatred.

Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, called for police to take the matter seriously and for those responsible to be prosecuted.

Although no official complaints were made to Sussex Police, an investigation is to be carried out.

Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce said: "An investigation has begun which will consider any evidence that is available. In order not to prejudice this investigation, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage."

The caravan, with the word "pikey" written on the back, had figures of a woman and children inside and the figure of a scantily-clad woman at the door.

After being pulled along the street as part of the procession, it was set alight at the bonfire site.

Richard Gravett, chairman of the society, said the tableau was not meant to be seen as a racist slur on the travelling community.

It represented problems villagers had removing travellers from a site earlier this year.