EMERGENCY crews were alerted to a reported fire on Clacton Pier this evening.

EMERGENCY crews were alerted to a reported fire on Clacton Pier this evening.

The alarm was raised at 6.20pm and lifeboats, the Wattisham-based RAF Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter and coastguards were contacted by the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

However, before crews were dispatched, it emerged the blaze was a controlled bonfire at the end of the pier and all crews were stood down.