A fire in the old concert hall at the end of Brighton's West Pier has left just its framework and the pier supports standing.

The blaze, which started at about 10am on 28 March, was extinguished by boat-borne firefighters, since access from land was not possible. A spokesperson for the local fire brigade said the cause of the fire was of doubtful origin.

This latest mishap to hit the West Pier comes after part of the structure fell into the sea during a storm last December, followed by the ballroom in January this year.

Built in 1866, the pier has been closed to the public for nearly 30 years but in February this year Brighton councillors approved a £30m plan for its restoration by St Modwen and the West Pier Trust. Details: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk and type 'Brighton' into the search engine.