Two bailed over Hastings Pier fire

Most roads around the severely damaged Victorian landmark have now re-opened but fire crews are still in attendance and expect to be there for the rest of the day.

The fire broke out at Hastings Pier at about 1am yesterday, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFR) said.

Click here to see photos of the blaze.

This video was shot by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service:

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By guyrennie from YouTube

The blaze started at the pier ballroom, which closed in June 2006, but fire crews said it has spread with up to 90% of the structure alight.

About 60 firefighters and eight fire engines have been trying to extinguish the blaze. So far, nobody has been injured in the fire.

A member of the public spotted the fire and told two patrolling police officers at about 1am.

An 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, both from St Leonards, were arrested on the seafront shortly afterwards on suspicion of arson.

Detective Inspector Emma Heater said: "Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are working in partnership with the Highways Agency and Coastguard to deal with the fire and are speaking to the local community to keep residents informed.

"We would like to thank members of the public for their patience, understanding and cooperation while we continue to manage the scene and investigate the fire."

At 9am parts of the pier were still alight and witnesses said four fire engines are continuing to spray jets onto the structure.

Dale Turner, who runs the Seaspray bed and breakfast opposite the pier, said: "This is the sort of thing people were worried about. "The pier had been allowed to fall into ruin and now we may never get it back."

Two RNLI lifeboat took fire crews with specialist equipment around the pier to help them assess the blaze.

The ESFRS Maritime Units and the Sussex Police helicopter were also in attendance.

Robertson Street, Warrior Square and White Rock Road were all closed.

Campaigners in Hastings have been trying to raise money and support to see the pier refurbished with modern attractions.

In July, Hastings Borough Council agreed to pursue a compulsory purchase order.

The pier is owned by Panamanian-registered company Ravenclaw, which the council said it had been unable to contact to discuss its future.

Councillor Jeremy Birch, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: "The firefighters have worked heroically to try and contain the blaze but unfortunately because of the wind, the state of the pier and the danger of going on it, the fire really took hold."

He added the council will look at a structural survey to discover how damaged the structure is. He said: "Then we can see what the future holds for this iconic building on our seafront."

Designed by Eugenius Birch, it opened in 1872 and was originally 910ft long.

Anthony Wills, spokesman for the National Piers Society, said the fire was “tragic”.

He said: “It is my worst nightmare. This was a very distinguished pier. It had a real chance of being revived and has a very strong friends organisation.

“It appears to be pure vandalism. With the wind and the water it is difficult to tackle it once it takes hold.”

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting Operation Kingmaker or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0845 6070999.

Listen to eyewitness Andy Gunton describe the fire:

The best Hastings Pier fire videos from YouTube

Did you see the fire or take pictures or video? Call the newsdesk on 01273 544512 or text us on 80360 using the word SUPIC.