Eastbourne pier fire 'huge blow' for area

A serious fire has broken out at Eastbourne Pier, turning much of the historic building into ash.

It is believed the blaze started behind wood panelling in the arcade building. About 40 firefighters are attending.

Hastings Pier was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 2010 and West Pier in Brighton burned down in 2003.

Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne, Stephen Lloyd, works nearby and described it as a "huge blow" for the area.