Part of Brighton's historic West Pier collapses into the sea as Storm Austen batters Britain with 80mph gusts
The Met Office warns power cuts and structural damage to buildings are a significant risk as the storm targets Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth and the Isles of Scilly from…
More than 16,000 homes in the South West were without power by late morning, and a 111mph gust was recorded in Cornwall. Schools shut, ferries to the Isles of Scilly were suspended and fallen trees closed roads. Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned Britain could face 'a winter of greater flooding'. Storm Boelo is due next, with amber wind warnings from Saturday night.
Local man Simon Haffenden filmed the collapse: 'You heard the bang of the wave and then a huge crash.'
West Pier Trust's Kate Phillips insisted the middle will stand: 'I have faith in Victorian infrastructure.'
