Part of an historic pier has collapsed after being battered by “ferocious weather and sea conditions” caused by Storm Bram, the council has said.

Plymouth City Council said the eastern section of the West Hoe Pier had been undergoing strengthening work since September to infill the interior after the stones within it had been washed out to sea over time.

A spokesperson said the stormy waves and weather had caused the outer wall to cave in on Tuesday.

Contractors would gauge the full extent of the damage to design a plan and a rough programme to carry out urgent repairs to the Grade II listed pier as soon as possible, they added.