Historic pier destroyed in blaze

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It is believed the fire started near the entrance to the pier, between a disused cafe and pub.

Kyran Ronson, officer in charge of the incident for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It's a landmark for Fleetwood and it's a shame that has now gone. If you look at the crowds here it shows the significance of the building for the community. For the majority of people around here it's formed part of their lives."

The wind was offshore so homes on the promenade were not in danger and did not need to be evacuated as the smoke and flames were being blown out to sea.

The flames caught hold at the front of the pier and worked their way along the structure, destroying the pier.

At the height of the blaze, 10 pumps and up to 90 firefighters were tackling the flames.

Despite being on the shoreline, the tide was going out so firefighters had to pump water from a mile away at a nearby boating lake.

Fire chiefs also called in health and safety officers because, due to the age of the building, it was thought there may be asbestos in the structure.

The fire follows a blaze on July 28 which destroyed most of the 104-year-old Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare.

Lancashire Police said the fire at Fleetwood was currently "unexplained" and an investigation will be launched.