Crews scaled back at seaside fire

The fire could be seen from six miles away

The demolition of buildings gutted by a huge fire in a Lincolnshire coastal resort is "well under way".

More than 100 firefighters were called to The Parade in the centre of Skegness, Lincolnshire, on Thursday.

Flames swept through the buildings, forcing the collapse of a 200-metre long stretch of property.

Five pumps poured water on the buildings overnight on Friday as the blaze started to reignite. Firefighters said the flames were now out.

We're now scaling down the operation a little to try to let the people of Skegness get back to a bit of normality John Cook, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service

"As best we know, apart from a few hotspots, the fire is now out," said Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue's general manager John Cook.

"The demolition work is well under way and has been going on since about half past five this morning and the floors of Buster's Fun Pub are about to be removed.

"We're now scaling down the operation a little to try to let the people of Skegness get back to a bit of normality."

The fire centred on the Lucky Strike arcade and The Parade, which is made up of four large entertainment bars and a number of concession stalls.

Treated as 'suspicious'

Police said the fire was being treated as suspicious, but investigations would take some time because of the extent of the damage.

Ch Supt Russ Hardy, said: "There are a number of possibilities we are investigating and these include the possibility that it is accidental as there are a number of catering establishments in the vicinity.

"We are also investigating the possibility that the fire was caused deliberately."

He added officers were investigating a possible link between the blaze and an incident on Thursday night in which two vehicles were damaged by fire outside an address at Church Lane in Addlethorpe - about five miles away from the resort.

It is hoped the demolition will be completed by Saturday afternoon and fire officers will leave the scene by the evening.