BLACKPOOL'S Central Pier has been ravaged by fire with 50 firefighters battling to douse the flames.

Ten fire engines raced to the blaze, which ripped through the iconic seaside attraction around 3am, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Shocking video footage and photos show the fire engulfing the pier, one of three at the holiday resort.

Fire crews found a workshop and a ride alight half way along the 152-year-old pier.

Thick clouds of smoke and bright orange flames billowed into the night sky as witnesses feared the entire attraction could be lost.

A ride was badly damaged in the inferno, which caused the promenade around the pier to be closed for a while.

The flames have now been extinguished and an investigation is due to get underway.

PIER INFERNO

The pier had only re-opened two weeks ago as coronavirus restrictions were eased.

One local resident said: "I hope it does not destroy the pier and can be fixed. Sad news.”

Another tweeted: "Very sad scenes in Blackpool this morning. Central Pier on fire.

"Hope it’s not damaged beyond repair."

No injuries were reported in this morning's fire.

Blackpool's Central Pier opened in 1868, with an 108ft Ferris wheel, known as Big Wheel, added in 1990.

It suffered fires in 1964 and 1973, which destroyed its theatre buildings.

The Grade II listed North Pier opened in 1863 and South Pier opened in 1893..

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) incident commander Mark Winder said: "The fire involved a workshop and a ride that are approximately halfway along the central pier.

The fire involved a workshop and a ride that are approximately halfway along the central pier.

"Fortunately early firefighter action has extinguished the fire to the extent there is no visible flame."

In a statement, LFRS said: "Crews will remain to monitor for any hotspots and damp down.

"An investigation into the cause of the fire will begin as soon as possible."

South Shore Fire Station said its Fylde Coast firefighters were "once again working in arduous conditions to save a historical Blackpool land mark."

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A spokesman said: "The pier was well alight but fortunately, outstanding team work bought the fire swiftly under control."

Earlier road closures in place because of the blaze were lifted.

Three fire engines' crews remained at the scene at 8am.

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