Two ornate street lights which have stood for more than 100 years crashed down on Brighton seafront when they were struck by a lorry.

The massive three-and-a-half ton cast-iron Victorian posts landed on the wide pavement of Grand Junction Road, next to the Palace Pier, at about 7am yesterday.

They smashed into several pieces, leaving dents in the tarmac, but no one was hurt.

It is believed a lorry reversed into a modern steel column attached to the historic lights by a steel wire supporting light bulbs.

It stayed upright but the impact brought down the two Victorian lamps.

Engineers feared the tension in the felled wire could have a domino effect, bringing further posts crashing to the ground.

However, the wires were cut without further problems.

A third lamp post knocked out of line had to be removed for safety reasons.

Engineers hope to replace it once it has been checked for cracks.

Andy Westwood, principal engineer for signals and lighting at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "It could have been a lot worse. The tension in the festoon could have caused a domino effect.

"It is hoped the lamp posts will be replaced but they are very expensive."

He said it cost about £12,000 to make a mould for the lamps, then a further £10,000 for each street light cast.

Peter Avey, who runs the Seasiders amusement arcade and restaurant on the lower promenade, said: "It's such a shame. They are part of old Brighton."

Historian Judy Middleton, who has written a book chronicling the history of lighting in Brighton and Hove, said: "I'm very sad to hear three have come down.

"They are like giants of the forest."

The posts, designed by J Every, of Lewes, were part of a set of 41 erected in 1896 and lit in an inauguration ceremony by the then mayoress of Brighton.

Their design includes elaborate flowers and scrolls around the column and two fish on the crest at the top.

At the time they were installed, a Brighton borough councillor complained the new lamp columns were too high.

He was quoted in the Brighton and Hove Herald as saying: "If they wished to light Mars and Venus they've done well."

Yesterday's accident caused delays to rush-hour traffic as one lane of Grand Junction Road was closed between 8am and 11am.

Police closed both lanes for about 20 minutes while the wires and string of lights were removed at 10.30am.