Police say UK pier fire may have been arson

LONDON (AP) — British police say a fire that gutted a landmark seaside pier in southern England may have been started deliberately.

Sussex Police said Friday that they were treating the blaze at the 144-year-old Eastbourne Pier as suspicious.

No one was injured in Wednesday’s fire, which destroyed about a third of the 1,000 foot-long (300 meter-long) structure.

Prime Minister David Cameron visited Eastbourne, 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of London, on Friday and promised 2 million pounds ($3.4 million) to help the local tourist economy. He said the owners of the pier were determined to rebuild it.

Dozens of pleasure piers are dotted along the English coast, offering entertainment venues, fast-food outlets and amusement arcades.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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