Eastbourne pier fire now being treated as possible arson

"As a result of our investigation we have received information to suggest that the fire may have been started by someone, either deliberately or accidently, and our investigation is now focusing on that line of enquiry.

A temporary scaffold platform has been erected adjacent to where the fire is thought to have broken out in order to enable scenes of crime officers and fire investigators safe access to the area.

In the meantime, we are very keen to hear from anyone who has photographs or video taken at the entrance or actually on the pier in the hours before the fire started. If you have such material or indeed any other information about the incident, please email us at pier.fire@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Barsham. Alternatively, you can call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."