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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Lucy Jackson

Blackpool Tower 'fire' is actually just orange netting, police confirm

LANCASHIRE Police have confirmed that there was no fire at Blackpool Tower when attending the scene.

Six fire engines, a drone and rope rescue team initially attended the scene, before Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that what can be seen is orange netting blowing in the wind.

The public were initially told to stay away from the area after "flames" were spotted in a section close to the top of the seaside iconic landmark.

Police confirmed a man was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace.

The 158m structure is currently closed for renovation.

The supposed blaze was thought to come as a result of a supercell thunderstorm which moved across north-west England, after the same type of storm is thought to have resulted in a tornado that damaged homes in Greater Manchester.

The police force flew a helicopter over the top of the tower and were able to confirm that there was no blaze.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “We know there are reports of a fire at Blackpool Tower and we just wanted to give you an update from our divisional commander Ch Supt Karen Edwards.

The National:  (Image: PA)

“We are at the scene in support of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Blackpool Council and Merlin Entertainment.

“The top of the tower is currently closed for renovation and difficult to access. Our helicopter has flown over the tower and there is no fire.

“We can confirm what can be seen is orange netting.

“One man has been arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace and is being transported to custody.”

A spokesperson for Merlin Entertainments, which runs the tower, said: “We can confirm that the fire brigade are on site at the Blackpool Tower and have established that there is no fire.

“Our well-rehearsed emergency procedures were implemented, and we can confirm that what looked like a fire from a distance was in fact lights on a reflective netting surface at the top of the tower.”

No smoke was reported but an investigation was carried out as a standard procedure, the company said.

The surrounding area was evacuated as a precaution.

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