Urgent meeting in Eastbourne to assess damage caused by fire

A task force of business leaders met today to discuss a timeframe for rebuilting the fire ravaged arcade and getting Eastbourne Pier up and running. Our John Ryall went to the meeting to find out more.

Our reporter Malcolm Shaw has been in Eastbourne this morning to assess the aftermath of the pier fire.

Following the devastating fire that engulfed the Sussex landmark yesterday afternoon, a burnt out structure of Eastbourne pier has been left illuminated by the bright sunshine this morning.

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 fighters are still at the scene of a huge blaze that has destroyed part of Eastbourne pier.

It started this afternoon in a wall in the arcade. But as beachgoers looked on - it wasn't long before a large section was engulfed in flames. From Eastbourne Andy Dickenson sends this.

The Chief Fire Officer of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is praising firefighters and members of other emergency services and agencies for the response to the Eastbourne Pier fire.

As of 10pm, the incident is being scaled down. Around 30 firefighters are expected to stay at the scene overnight.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

At the height of the incident 80 firefighters were at the scene. They attacked the fire from the shoreline, from the sea using lifeboats and from above using an aerial platform.

A further update will be posted around 7am tomorrow.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service remains at the scene of the Eastbourne Pier fire.

At the height of the incident, 80 firefighters were at the scene.

A water bowser was used to relay water and an aerial platform was used as a water tower to tackle the fire. Firefighters also worked off lifeboats, aiming water at the fire from the sea. Ground monitors were put in place to provide unmanned large firefighting jets of water.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went onto the Pier and underneath the Pier to prevent the spread of the fire. Light portable pumps were used to pump sea water onto the fire.

The Maritime team from Newhaven who worked with lifeboats and Coastguard teams.

Fire investigators are now on site.