Part of Brighton's iconic West Pier collapses

Part of Brighton's West Pier has fallen into the sea during the wet and windy weather.

In footage obtained by the BBC, one side of the iconic landmark can be seen collapsing into the water as it is battered by large waves.

A person is also visible on the shore watching the spectacle.

It comes as Storm Austen has brought widespread disruption to Southeast England, with gusts of up to 70mph expected in the region.

The pier was first opened in 1866, with its final building - a concert hall - completed in 1916.

It attracted two million visitors at its peak, though its popularity declined after the Second World War.

The pier closed to the public in 1975 and grew increasingly derelict, but the ruined structure became a symbol of Brighton for some.

Major sections fell into the sea during storms in late 2002, while two separate fires the following year destroyed most of what remained.

English Heritage later declared it beyond repair.

Subsequent storms have destroyed its iron frame even further.

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