IT WAS a devastating sight ... Brighton’s beloved West Pier ravaged by fire.
It was 18 years ago on Sunday, March 28, 2003, that flames tore through the Grand Old Lady, sealing her fate for ever. Horrified crowds gathered on the beach to watch as it burned.
The end of an era
Arsonists were to blame but fire service officials said they would not risk lives by putting investigators on to the site and so the truth about what happened has never been revealed.
The Argus front page
The pier was in flames again on May 11, 2003, as another suspected arson attack destroyed the concert hall.
The day after... wood was still burning as the soke drifted across the coast. A canoeist went for a closer look
Hotspots from the blaze reignited the next day, but it was too dangerous for firefighters to enter.
READ MORE>>Part of the West Pier in Brighton for sale on eBay
There were reports a man was seen climbing on to the pier shortly before the fire, which started just after 2am.
Police said the March and May fires were not linked and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
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