Eastbourne Pier has been evacuated after a fire broke out in a chip shop located at the entrance to the structure.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident this morning after receiving an emergency call reporting the blaze.

Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were dispatched to the scene.

Crews isolated both the gas and electricity supplies to the pier as part of their initial response.

Police officers were also requested to attend.

The public was urged to stay away from the area surrounding the pier, with Marine Parade partially obstructed by emergency service vehicles.

Residents in nearby properties were advised to keep doors and windows closed while operations continued.

Firefighters brought the fire under control and extinguished the blaze.

Crews then addressed remaining hot spots and carried out cutting operations.

The road around the pier remained closed to enable safe working conditions for emergency personnel.

A stop message was issued at 12:03, confirming that the cause of the fire had been classified as accidental.

Four fire appliances remained at the scene as operations were scaled back.

No injuries were reported during the incident.