A major fire has destroyed most of Hastings Pier in East Sussex, a day after redevelopment plans were invited.

Two people have been arrested and detained for questioning.

Firefighters have been at the scene since the early hours attempting to save the historic structure. The fire was brought under control at 0800 BST.

A passing police patrol and local people raised the alarm at 0100 BST after seeing a small fire, but the pier was rapidly engulfed in flames.

Residents reported hearing a series of explosions.

The pier opened in 1872 and was originally 910ft (280m) long. It closed in 2006 because of fears it had become unsafe.

Read more Hastings Pier largely destroyed in huge fire