TWO people have arrested on suspicion of arson after a Victorian pier was severely damaged by fire.

The blaze was reported at around 1am today and has left 95per cent of Hastings pier, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said.

Sussex Police said two males had been detained and were being questioned about the cause of the fire on the pier, which has been closed since 2006.

Eight fire crews were sent to tackle the blaze, while local RNLI lifeboats also helped to transport firefighters to the blaze as they struggled to get the flames under control.

Simon Rose, spokesman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It’s still a major blaze. There’s about 60 firefighters dealing with the blaze.

“At the moment about 95pc of the structure has been destroyed. It’s quite significant.

He added: “It’s a very historic building and landmark for Hastings. The priority for the firefighters is to preserve as much of the structure as they can to see if something can be done with it in the future.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “The origins of the fire are still being investigated and at this time two males have been detained for questioning.

“Sussex Police and Sussex Fire and Rescue are still dealing with the fire and advise anyone driving in the area of the A259 in Hastings to take alternative routes.”