Dozens of scavengers risk injury to plunder smouldering remains of blaze pier

Yesterday visitors and residents alike watched in disbelief as the Grand Pier was engulfed in flames.

But this morning they returned to collect souvenirs wading out into the blackened sea past burnt planks of wood, beer barrels and propane gas canisters. Many were also swimming or using inflatable boats to collect whatever they could.

Souvenirs: Parents and children risked injury wading out into the dirty water

Weston-super-Mare deputy station coast guard officer Ian Taylor said the scavengers were risking their safety by venturing into the sea. 'All the debris has nails in it,' he said. 'Some of them are six inch nails and they could easily go into someone's foot.

'Parents should be warning their children and keeping them out of the water and the debris. We have lifeboats bringing in barrels from the bar as they will become a hazard to shipping in the Bristol Channel.  

A 50-metre cordon has been placed around the pier so a safety assessment can be carried out, but the tide has washed debris far along the shore.

Parents and children appeared unconcerned as they continued to collect items.

Ignoring the warnings: Outside a safety cordon parents and children played in the blackened sea

Nichola Hesketh, 27, of Milton, Weston-Super-Mare said: 'It's awful but I think it's good to go out and get something to remember the pier by. I have found complete pier tickets, a massive can of peaches, three £1 coins and a massive plank of wood. Selling them on eBay was my first thought but I think everyone will be doing that.'

Until yesterday, this 104-year-old landmark was the 'heart and soul' of Weston-super-Mare.

The Grand Pier – with its arcades, fairground rides and flags fluttering in the breeze – symbolised the joy of summer holidays in a more innocent time

Engulfed: The Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare as it was consumed by fire

Taking hold: A cloud of smoke billows high in the sky as the fire starts to spread

The fire started around 7am and within two hours vast sections of the pier were reduced to smouldering embers.

The blaze was visible from 50 miles away. Sally Hill, 44, who lives opposite the Pier, said: 'It was just a little flame to start with and within minutes the whole roof had gone.

'After half an hour the whole lot was engulfed. The roof was sagging in the middle and then suddenly it just dropped down with a great crash.

No hope: The Grand Pier's main building is totally alight minutes later

'After that there were explosions and crackling sounds as the fire got bigger and the flames were reaching 100ft into the air. It was horrific.'

There were suggestions yesterday that the fire was caused by an unattended deep fat fryer in one of the restaurants within the 1,000ft long pier. However, the fire service has refused to rule out arson.

The owners, brother-and-sister team Kerry and Michelle Michael, yesterday said that they hoped to restore the structure to its former glory. 

Horror: People watch as smoke pours from the back of the building

Mr Michael, 41, flew back from his summer holiday in Spain to survey the damage.

He said: 'When we purchased the Grand Pier in February of this year we regarded ourselves as custodians rather than owners, just looking after it for future generations to enjoy.

'For this tragic event to have taken place during our watch is truly devastating. I feel sorry for our dedicated staff, many of whom have been on the pier all of their working lives.

'I feel very sorry for the people of Weston. The pier was Weston and Weston was the pier.'

Helpless: Onlookers and firefighters stand and look at the charred remains

The future of the pier's 100 employees was being discussed today at a meeting of senior managers.

A spokesman said each worker would be spoken to individually this week about the progress of restoration plans.

He said: 'The managers are having a meeting today to actively look at the issues and examine what the situation is. They are working with the fire brigade

'It takes time to speak to 100 people about something as delicate as this.'

Meanwhile structural experts used in the wake of terrorist bombings will visit the shell of the pier 'as a precautionary measure', the fire-service said.

The Urban Search and Rescue team, which specialises in going into the wreckage of collapsed buildings to pull out survivors, will examine the pier this afternoon.

A platform will be built alongside the pier to enable engineers to get a better look inside to see if it is safe.

Destroyed: An aerial picture shows the smouldering remains

Retired civil servant Barry Gilbert, 70, who has lived in the Somerset town for 20 years, said that the Michaels had brought new hope to the formerly tattered attraction.

'I went to the pier three days ago to the new little bar they'd opened there,' he said. 'The place was so alive. The Grand Pier was this town's pride and joy. Now the heart and soul of Weston has gone.'

His wife Jayne, 60, added: 'We came out here and have just been staring at the pier for about two hours while the firemen finished damping it down. We just can't believe this has happened.

What a difference a day makes: The pier on Sunday as people flocked to the beach to enjoy the hot weather

'It's been a part of our lives for so long. I used to come to Weston on a doubledecker bus from Bristol for holidays when I was a child and I can remember playing on the penny slots.

'Later I took my children there and my grandchildren.'

Down on the beach, donkey ride owner Ron Mager said: 'It's a very sad day for Weston. I came down to see what was happening at 7.15am as soon as I heard.

'The pier was the main attraction and the loss of it will have a big effect.'

Tourist spot: The Grand Pier is regarded as one Britain's last great pleasure piers

Historic: Hikers enjoy a donkey ride on the beach by the Grand Pier in April, 1936

Loss: Brighton Pier, above, as it was destroyed by fire in 2003. Southend Pier, below, was also partially gutted in a blaze in 2005

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