Two held after pier destroyed by fire

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a Victorian pier was severely damaged by fire.

The blaze, which was reported at around 1am on Tuesday morning, destroyed 95 per cent of Hastings pier, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said.

Sussex Police said two males were detained and were being questioned about the cause of the fire on the pier, which has been closed since 2006.

Firefighters with eight fire engines were trying to extinguish the blaze, the fire service said. There are no reports of any injuries.

Campaigners in Hastings have been trying to raise money and support to see the pier refurbished with modern attractions. Designed by Eugenius Birch, it opened in 1872 and was originally 910ft long.

Dale Turner, who runs the Seaspray bed and breakfast opposite the pier, attacked authorities for failing to get a compulsory purchase order through.

"This is the sort of thing people were worried about," the 55-year-old said. "The pier had been allowed to fall into ruin and now we may never get it back."

He said a series of blasts were heard as the pier caught fire.

Mr Turner said: "There were at least four loud bangs after 1.15am. The firefighters have been spraying the pier all morning but I don't think they are actually on the pier.

"The worry for everyone now is exactly how much damage was done. The whole thing was in line for a facelift but, if the structure was hit, it could be very expensive indeed."