The historic Hastings Pier in East Sussex is at risk of collapsing into the sea following a major fire, the local council has warned. Up to 95% of the pier was destroyed as emergency services struggled to get the blaze under control in the early hours. Hastings Borough Council said the pier was in a "very dangerous state" and advised people to "stay well away". Two men, aged 18 and 19 and from St Leonards, were arrested on suspicion of arson and remain in custody.
Campaigners fighting to save the derelict pier have vowed not to give up hope that what remains of it may still be salvaged. Earlier this year, the council agreed to buy the pier with a compulsory purchase order and hand it to the Hastings Pier and White Rock Trust. Members of the trust have been in meetings with the council and emergency services to discuss carrying out a structural survey.
A passing police patrol and local people raised the alarm at 0100 BST after seeing a small fire, but the pier was rapidly engulfed in flames. A fire crew was on the scene within five minutes of the first emergency call. It was quickly joined by further crews, two RNLI lifeboats and the Sussex Police helicopter. At its height some 55 firefighters with eight engines were fighting to extinguish the fire, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said. It was brought under control by 0800 BST. There were no reports of any injuries.
The pier opened in 1872 and was originally 910ft (280m) long. It closed in 2006 because of fears it had become unsafe. It was owned by Panamanian-registered company Ravenclaw, which the council said it had been unable to contact.
