Brighton's famous West Pier was left virtually split in two today after huge chunks of decking crashed into the sea.
Onlookers were shocked to see only the walkway linking the remaining sections of the 132-year-old landmark.
Debris which fell from the pier during the night was this morning washed up over a 400-yard stretch of the beach.
Decking between the concert hall and the pavilion began falling into the sea as darkness closed in last night.
Engineers were today inspecting the damage.
Pier bosses hope the situation will speed up negotiations for lottery funding for emergency repairs.
Rachel Clark, general manager of the West Pier Trust, said: "It took us by surprise as the wind was not particularly strong."
Walkers this morning were shocked by the state of the pier. Sue Pinnick, 32, of Spring Street, Brighton, said: "It's almost as if the whole pier is cut in two."
More than £10 million has been promised from Lottery funds towards the restoration of the pier, a Grade I listed building, and private sector partners are in place.
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