Massive blaze destroys resort pier

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Firefighters fought to tackle the flames but they quickly took hold of the partly-wooden structure and within a couple of hours the main pier building was completely wrecked.

Avon Fire and Rescue said there were no reports of any injuries.

When asked if the blaze was believed to be suspicious, a spokeswoman said: "It is obviously a matter which will be referred to by the fire investigators."

The fire is believed to have started at around 7am in the west tower of the pier, which was opened in 1904. Eyewitnesses said it spread rapidly.

Dee Williams, deputy manager of the Grand Atlantic Hotel, which lies 200 yards from the pier, said: "I am watching it now and I think it is going to collapse.

"It is an inferno. There will be no pier by tonight.

"There are loud bangs going off, which could be fireworks because there was a display on there recently. The tide is out and I think they are having difficulty getting water to it.

"My night porter spotted the flames at 7.15am. There are lots of people about, watching the fire, and the police have blocked off the road.

"The pier was bought by new owners and done up recently, it is part of our identity and would really affect trade if we were to lose it."