Huge fire at Blackpool Central Pier as around 50 firefighters scrambled in early hours

A huge fire broke out at Blackpool's Central Pier in the early hours of this morning (Friday).

Around 50 firefighters were scrambled to the scene at the iconic tourist attraction at 3am.

Incident commander Mark Winder from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "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 present."

He said they had launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.

(Peter Mowbray)

Neighbouring roads will be closed for 'at least two hours', he said in a video tweeted by the fire service.

Photos tweeted by the fire service showed the pier was engulfed with flames at the height of the blaze.

Around 10 fire engines were called to the scene.

Central Pier is one of three piers in Blackpool.

It is located between the other two piers.

It was close to the site of the now-defunct Blackpool Central Railway Station about 550 yards south of Blackpool Tower.

For more coverage of the fire visit our sister site Lancs Live.