London - A huge fire Monday threatened to destroy a landmark pier in the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare in south-west Britain, rescue services said.

The fire engulfed the Grand Pier at around 0600 GMT Monday, sending black smoke and billowing flames into the sky.

"It looks as if the pier has collapsed on itself. Nothing is going to be saved. I'm about 200 yards (metres) away from the fire, there'll be nothing left after this fire, it's a desperately sad scene," said a BBC reporter.

The late-Victorian pier, a seaside attraction, reopened in April after a massive revamp. (dpa)