Fire breaks out at historic pier - dozens of firefighters rush to blaze in Hythe
A HUGE fire broke out at an historic pier in Hythe, Hampshire.
More than 50 firefighters tackling blaze near Hythe Pier
More than 50 firefighters were called to the inferno, which was located in Hythe town near Southampton.
Crews were scrambled to Hythe pier after the blaze started in a nearby building at 6am this morning.
A shed is believed to have caught alight early this morning before the fire spread to the pier.
A huge fire has broken out at Hythe Pier in Southampton
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service sent out an alert to local residents urging them to keep their windows shut.
The service tweeted: "Eight fire appliances and more than 50 firefighters tackling #HytheFire. #Hampshire crews assisted by colleagues from @DWFireRescue #Hythe.
"Anyone living close to where the fire has broken out near #HythePier should keep their windows and doors shut."
Shocking photos showed huge clouds of black smoke billowing above the coastal town.
Prospect Place road was initially closed when the fire broke out but has since re-opened.
A spokeswoman for the Hythe Ferry said that the service had been suspended because of smoke from the blaze but was running again.
More than 50 firefighters have rushed to the blaze at Hythe Pier
She said: "We couldn't run because of the smoke from about 6am to 7am but we are operating again.
"The fire hasn't affected the pier or the ferry."