FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze at a pier.  

East Sussex Fire and Rescue were called to Eastbourne Pier at 2.21pm to reports of a “small fire”.

A spokeswoman said: “On arrival, our crews discovered there had been a fire on a trailer between two buildings.

“The fire was out by the time we arrived.

“We are currently dampening down the scene and using thermal imaging, just in case.”

Beachgoers stood on the shore as smoke billowed across the skyline. 

Pictures taken at the scene show the fire before the arrival of emergency services. 

This comes six years after a huge blaze ripped through the structure. 

The fire destroyed part of the 144-year-old Grade II-listed pier in July 2014.

It began in an area of the pier housing amusement arcade attractions and came at the height of the all-important summer tourist season for resort.

The Argus:

Up to 80 firefighters tackled the blaze from the coast, the beach and from underneath the Victorian structure, which is privately-owned by Cuerden Leisure.

Embers could still be seen burning some five hours after the fire started.

Sussex Police said the pier was quickly evacuated, no one was trapped and the fire was not believed to be suspicious.