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10/10/2005
Suspicious blaze destroys pier buildings
A fire which destroyed a section of the Southend Pier is being treated as suspected arson.
The fire appears to have started in a pub, the Jolly Fisherman, and spread quickly to other parts of the pier's wooden structure. Several buildings have collapsed into the sea, though the iron framework of the affected part of the pier remains standing.
While no-one is reported to have been injured there were fears that anglers trapped by the fire may have been in the water and Coastguard search and rescue teams assisted by a helicopter combed the area around the pier.
First spotted at around 10.40pm on Sunday, fire crews fought throughout the night to contain the huge blaze, which has devastated a large section of the world's longest pleasure pier.
Firefighters had to wait for daybreak before moving closer to the area where the fire had occurred as the wooden flooring and structures were in a dangerous state.
An investigation into the blaze will begin once the area is declared safe.
Elsewhere, a fire has destroyed much of a collection of sets and models used by Oscar-winning company Aardman Animations, the production company behind the Wallace and Gromit characters.
The blaze, which swept through the company's Victorian premises in Bristol, destroyed the entire model archive of the firm from Morph to Chicken Run, and Wallace and Gromit.
However, the sets and characters from the latest box-office topping film, 'Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit' which were being stored at another location, are believed to be safe.
(SP/KMcA)
The fire appears to have started in a pub, the Jolly Fisherman, and spread quickly to other parts of the pier's wooden structure. Several buildings have collapsed into the sea, though the iron framework of the affected part of the pier remains standing.
While no-one is reported to have been injured there were fears that anglers trapped by the fire may have been in the water and Coastguard search and rescue teams assisted by a helicopter combed the area around the pier.
First spotted at around 10.40pm on Sunday, fire crews fought throughout the night to contain the huge blaze, which has devastated a large section of the world's longest pleasure pier.
Firefighters had to wait for daybreak before moving closer to the area where the fire had occurred as the wooden flooring and structures were in a dangerous state.
An investigation into the blaze will begin once the area is declared safe.
Elsewhere, a fire has destroyed much of a collection of sets and models used by Oscar-winning company Aardman Animations, the production company behind the Wallace and Gromit characters.
The blaze, which swept through the company's Victorian premises in Bristol, destroyed the entire model archive of the firm from Morph to Chicken Run, and Wallace and Gromit.
However, the sets and characters from the latest box-office topping film, 'Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit' which were being stored at another location, are believed to be safe.
(SP/KMcA)
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The repair of the historic Hastings Pier is to begin, following a successful community campaign by a local charity. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has welcomed the move, which will see the pier reopened after being saved from disrepair and abandonment by a local community group. The pier is expected to reopen to the public in 2015.
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The repair of the historic Hastings Pier is to begin, following a successful community campaign by a local charity. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has welcomed the move, which will see the pier reopened after being saved from disrepair and abandonment by a local community group. The pier is expected to reopen to the public in 2015.
09 September 2008
Fire Destroys Historic Fleetwood Pier
An overnight blaze has swept through an Edwardian pier on the Lancashire coast, destroying all the buildings along the once-popular seaside attraction. It is believed the fire at Fleetwood Pier broke-out yesterday afternoon in a pub-cafeteria at the pier's shore end.
Fire Destroys Historic Fleetwood Pier
An overnight blaze has swept through an Edwardian pier on the Lancashire coast, destroying all the buildings along the once-popular seaside attraction. It is believed the fire at Fleetwood Pier broke-out yesterday afternoon in a pub-cafeteria at the pier's shore end.
08 May 2009
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
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Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
31 August 2006
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05 October 2010
Two Arrested Over Hastings Pier Blaze
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze on Hastings pier in East Sussex, two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who spent most of the night trying to control the fire, said around 95% of the Victorian pier has been destroyed. There are no reports of any injuries.
Two Arrested Over Hastings Pier Blaze
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze on Hastings pier in East Sussex, two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who spent most of the night trying to control the fire, said around 95% of the Victorian pier has been destroyed. There are no reports of any injuries.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
