05/10/2010

Two Arrested Over Hastings Pier Blaze

As firefighters continue to battle the blaze on Hastings pier in East Sussex, two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who spent most of the night trying to control the fire, said around 95% of the Victorian pier has been destroyed.

There are no reports of any injuries.

The fire service was alerted at around 1am by a member of the public.

Around 60 firefighters were transported to the burning pier via local RNLI lifeboats.

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "It's still a major blaze.

"At the moment about 95% of the structure has been destroyed.

"It's a very historic building and landmark for Hastings. The priority for the firefighters is to preserve as much of the structure as they can to see if something can be done with it in the future."

Regarding the arrests, a spokesman for the Sussex Police said: "The origins of the fire are still being investigated and at this time two males have been detained for questioning.”

He added: "Sussex Police and Sussex Fire and Rescue are still dealing with the fire and advise anyone driving in the area of the A259 in Hastings to take alternative routes."

(BMcN)

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