'Stay away' is the message from Hartlepool council chiefs as pier suffers storm damage

A large hole, around six feet wide, appeared in Middleton Pier, also called the North Pier, at Hartlepool Marina, following recent bad weather.

Council chiefs say they are assessing the damage with a view to repairing it.

In the meantime the local authority is urging residents to stay away for their safety.

A gate on the pier has been closed and taped off by the coastguard.

The area is a popular fishing spot for anglers and also walkers and cyclists.

A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesperson told the Mail: “We are currently assessing the storm damage and working on a plan to repair it as quickly as possible.

"In the meantime, we would urge people to stay off the pier."

The coast took another battering on Tuesday with the arrival of Storm Chandra across the UK.

Hartlepool was buffeted by strong winds, rain and waves throughout the day.