Man held over pier arson attack

Part of the pier was demolished in March following safety concerns

A man is being questioned following a fire at a historic pier in West Sussex.

Sussex Police said a 32-year-old local man was being held on suspicion of arson after a fire at the pier in Bognor Regis in the early hours.

The blaze, which was started in a wheelie bin underneath the pier's fire escape, has damaged part of the structure's exterior.

Sussex Police said West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire preventing more extensive damage.

Officers are currently examining the Grade II listed structure.

Safety fears

A 60ft (18m) section of pier, which was originally built in 1865, was knocked down by its owners in March following safety fears.

The affected part of the structure had been replaced after World War II but deteriorated significantly.

The pier was originally 1,000ft (300m) long, but has suffered a series of fires and floods.

Following the demolition work the water at the end of the pier is now too shallow to hold the annual Birdman contest, its organisers have said.