Pair re-bailed over Hastings Pier arson attack

Demolition work is expected to start at Hastings Pier on Wednesday

Two men arrested on suspicion of starting the fire that destroyed Hastings Pier have been re-bailed.

Sussex Police said an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, both from St Leonards, had their bail extended until December.

The blaze, which began in the early hours of 5 October, took four days to put out and destroyed 95% of the upper part of the East Sussex pier.

Both men were arrested and questioned as crews fought the flames.

Demolition machinery began arriving at the structure on Monday nearly four weeks after it was gutted by fire.

Engineers have been using a cherry picker positioned on the beach to assess the demolition work, which is expected to start on Wednesday.

Hastings Borough Council is carrying out the work under emergency powers.

The council has been unable to contact the pier's owner, Panamanian-registered Ravenclaw Investments.