Part of Brighton's West Pier collapses into the sea as Storm Austen batters UK

A large section of Brighton’s West Pier collapsed into the sea on Friday amid punishing weather conditions brought by Storm Austen.Footage widely shared online shows the right-side of the famous landmark collapsing into the water as it is battered by large waves.Local Simon Haffenden caught the collapse on video while filming the size of the waves.He told the BBC: "You heard the bang of the wave and then there was a huge crash."It was an incredible sound, but it was really shocking. I was very lucky to catch it."Kate Phillips, a member of the West Pier Trust, which is responsible for the remains of the pier and the administration of the site, said that she believed the remaining structure would withstand the storm.She said: "I still think the middle bit will stand, I have faith in it, I have faith in Victorian infrastructure."Mr Haffenden added: "It's so iconic. It's such a beauty". "It sounds funny to say, but it is such a unique thing to have on the seafront that most other cities don't.Londoners have been warned to batten down loose items in their gardens and take care on the roads.Brighton’s West Pier was shut in 1975AFP/GettyThe West Pier was first opened in 1866, and was extended in 1893, with a large pavilion erected and decorated with oriental towers.The grade I listed structure was closed to the public in September 1975 due to safety concerns, and has grown increasingly derelict over time.Parts of the pier, which attracted two million visitors at its peak, fell into the sea during storms in December 2002, and further damage was done by two fires in 2003 and a large storm in 2005.