A fire has destroyed part of Eastbourne Pier on the UK south coast.

Eastbourne Police

The blaze, which swept through the structure on Wednesday evening, was tackled by around 80 firefighters.

No one was injured in the fire, but only the metal structure remains of the main arcade building. 

It is thought the fire started as a result of an electrical fault.

In a statement to InterGame, operator Cuerden Leisure said: “The pier was quickly evacuated in accordance with company procedures when a fire took hold in an arcade at the front of the pier. All members of staff and the general public safely left the pier without injury. The property is currently in the control of the emergency services and our general manager is on-site attending to matters with the Fire Brigade.”

Carolyn Heaps, Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “Our first concern is for the safety of all those who work on the pier and those who were visiting the pier today. 

“It is tragic to see this much-loved Victorian landmark on fire.

“The council is supporting the emergency services as they tackle the fire and in keeping the area around the pier safe. We will be liaising with the owners of the pier, Cuerden Leisure.”

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Des Prichard said: "This has been an extremely challenging incident. Our fire fighters have worked very hard in difficult conditions to stop the fire from spreading. Sadly one building on the Pier is now a shell and other smaller buildings have been damaged but the remaining buildings on the pier are being protected.

“This couldn't have been achieved without the assistance of a number of other organisations, including the police, Coastguard and RNLI."

He added: "This is obviously an upsetting incident for all those who love this landmark. We are thankful that there are no reported injuries and that fire fighting operations continue to try and ensure we save a large part of this iconic pier."

The council confirmed on Thursday that the majority of businesses on the seafront were open as usual, although approximately 200m of promenade and beaches around the pier will remain closed for several days while essential safety works take place.

Today, Prime Minister David Cameron announced that up to £2m will be made available to help Eastbourne’s tourism industry recover form the loss of the pier.

“I know that the loss of one of Eastbourne’s most prominent and well-loved landmarks will have hit the town hard and I am determined to do all I can to help local businesses recover,” he said.

Picture source: Eastbourne Police posted this image on Twitter