Brighton West Pier collapse: Dramatic footage shows waves crashing into historic pier in Storm Austen
Footage shows waves crashing into Brighton’s West Pier in Storm Austen on Friday.
Dramatic footage, captured by local resident Anna, shows waves crashing into Brighton’s historic West Pier as part of the structure collapsed in Storm Austen on Friday 23 October.
The West Pier opened in 1866 and attracted 2 million visitors at its peak. The pier closed to the public in 1975.
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Major sections of the structure fell into the sea during storms in 2002 and two fires in 2003 destroyed most of what remained.
English Heritage declared the pier beyond repair.
A Met Office yellow warning for wind was in place for Brighton until 5pm on Friday.
The Brighton and Hove Seafront Team said: “We know how spectacular the West Pier and waves can look during a storm, and how tempting it is to come down to the seafront to watch, but we’re urging everyone to stay away from the seafront while these conditions continue.”