Holidaymakers take pictures as the pier burns.

More than 140 years of history went up in flames yesterday as a devastating fire ripped through part of Eastbourne Pier in Britain.

Stacks of dense smoke belched into the sky after the fire started towards the entrance of the 144-year-old Grade II-listed structure.

It began on the part of the pier housing amusement arcade attractions and came at the height of the all-important summer tourist season for the East Sussex resort.

Sussex Police said the pier was quickly evacuated, no-one was trapped and the fire is not believed to be suspicious “at this time”.

Up to 60 firefighters tackled the fire from the coast, the beach and from underneath the Victorian structure, which is privately-owned by Cuerden Leisure.

The sea-end section of the pier appeared to be unaffected by the fire, but late yesterday there were fears that stiff sea breezes were fanning the flames.

Tourists and locals thronged the beach and promenade to watch the pier gradually become engulfed in flames from around 3pm.

Although the area was busy at the time, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said they were not aware of any injuries or casualties.

Tourist Sam Taylor, 54, said: “I just can’t believe it. I’ve been coming here for years and to see it go up in smoke while I’m here is devastating. It’s a beautiful pier. We had only been on it the other day to play on the amusements and take in the views.”

It is tragic to see this much-loved Victorian landmark on fire

In a fortnight’s time, Eastbourne hosts its biggest tourist event, the annual Airbourne air show on the seafront, which draws tens of thousands of visitors.

Local community leaders were praying that the pier can be salvaged. Eastbourne’s Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Lloyd said: “I hope and pray that our wonderful pier has not been lost forever.I know that all of Eastbourne are now watching and waiting until the fire is put out so the damage can be assessed.”

Eastbourne Borough Council described the fire as “tragic” as it continued to engulf the “much-loved landmark”.

Carolyn Heaps, cabinet member for tourism at the council, said: “Our first concern is for the safety of all those who work on the pier and those who were visiting the pier today. It is tragic to see this much-loved Victorian landmark on fire. The council is supporting the emergency services as they tackle the fire and in keeping the area around the pier safe.”

Architect Tim Phillips, vice chairman of the National Piers Society, said: “My gut feeling with these fires is it is always an electrical problem – something shorts and flashes in a flammable void. They are so exposed to the elements, and you’ve got an intensely damp atmosphere.

“I wonder if it is something to do with the heavy rain we have had recently, and if the water has reached some wiring.”

East Sussex has been cursed by the devastation of some of its piers.