Eastbourne Pier fire now treated as suspicious, police say

The fire which damaged parts of 144-year-old Eastbourne Pier on Wednesday is now being treated as suspicious, Sussex Police said.

The RNLI has released footage they took as they tackled the fire as it raged through the iconic pier in Sussex.

Fire-hit Eastbourne Pier could be reopened next year, the local MP has claimed.

A huge blaze ripped through the pier yesterday leaving the 144-year-old structure severely damaged.

But Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd said two-thirds of the pier survived the fire and the structure appeared "pretty sound".

"There is real damage but I'm confident that it can be repaired," the Liberal Democrat MP said after talks with East Sussex's chief fire officer.

"It's still very much still standing, and I'm very hopeful and confident that it will be reopening next year and be back in business."

Read: In pictures - Eastbourne Pier is engulfed by flames

This dramatic footage highlights the damage caused to Eastbourne pier yesterday as flames ravaged through the iconic structure.

More than 60 firefighters battled the fire as a small fire in the wall panelling of the arcade engulfed the historic seaside landmark.

By Richard Pallot: ITV News Correspondent

The evacuation of Eastbourne Pier was so swift yesterday that apparently there are still many fishing rods, uneaten chips and lunches at the end of the pier where holidaymakers left them.

Fire crews are still concerned that occasional hotspots at the Eastbourne pier could reignite and so they are continuing to monitor and dampen down.

Experts say it is too unsafe to gain access to the pier at moment and it may be some time before they can assess the solidity of the structure.

Read: Hotelier describes horror at seeing landmark in flames

The shell of the burned out arcades building on Eastbourne Pier stands out as the sun rises on the day after a major fire at the seaside attraction.

Fire investigators will return to Eastbourne Pier today after a devastating blaze ripped through the historic landmark.

The huge fire destroyed part of the 144-year-old Grade II-listed structure and sent plumes of black smoke into the sky on Wednesday afternoon.

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.

This video was taken by Benjamin Hall.

A serious fire at Eastbourne Pier is now being brought under control.

Crews remain at the scene. They have made entry to the end of the Pier and continue to tackle the incident.

Around 60 firefighters are at the Pier and are expected to remain there for some time.