Historic pier fire 'may be arson'

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Almost a century of history went up in smoke as flames engulfed Fleetwood Pier on the Lancashire coast.

Around 90 firefighters battled the blaze which, at its height, reached 40ft into the air.

But they could not save the famous landmark, built in 1910, and by morning it was a smouldering wreck of twisted metal.

There were no injuries but another piece of a nation's bygone era was destroyed forever. The fire comes just months after a blaze which gutted the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare in Somerset.

And there have been other major fires at piers in Brighton, Southend and elsewhere over the years.

Fleetwood, like many coastal resorts, has suffered decline but the attraction was for many years "the jewel in Fleetwood's crown".

The pier had fallen into disrepair and had been closed for more than 12 months.

Blackpool businessman and comedian, Mike Simmons, whose stage name is Joey Blower, wanted to build 85 flats on the pier - but faced local opposition. Mr Simmons could not be reached for comment.

Fire chiefs said the blaze was "unexplained" but said they could not rule out an arson attack. Lancashire Police have declared the pier a crime scene.