Brighton's crumbling West Pier went up in flames again today in a suspected arson attack.

A dozen firefighters were sent to the pier shortly after 2am following reports of a blaze in the partially collapsed concert hall at the promenade end of the Victorian landmark.

The blaze was not as severe as the fire which gutted the pavilion on the far end of the Grade I listed pier in March.

The latest fire was quickly brought under control and firefighters had left the scene although there was still smoke billowing from the forlorn structure.

It is the second fire to have struck the West Pier in as many months after the arson attack in March, and the fourth disaster since late December when two storms battered the pier to the brink of submission.

A Sussex Police spokesman said there had been reports of fireworks being let off on the seafront sea front in the vicinity of the pier.

He said: "There were reports of fireworks but we are not linking that to the fire at this stage. We have a scenes of crime officer going to the pier today and a full health and safety assessment will also be made.

"We are not clear of a cause yet."

Hundreds of people leaving the city's clubs and bars spotted the fire and called East Sussex Fire Brigade, which sent two crews from the city. They were able to tackle the blaze from the shore.

In February, Brighton and Hove City Council voted, despite fierce opposition, to press ahead with ambitious £30m plans to restore the pier to its Twenties heyday when it was at the peak of its popularity.