A woman has been taken to hospital after falling through Blackpool Central Pier onto the beach.

Emergency services were called at 4.30pm on Tuesday after receiving a report that a woman had dropped through a part of the pier.

Police say the extent of her injuries remain unknown but she remains in hospital.

Part of the pier was closed to the public following the incident.

One witness said his children had heard a "huge thud".

They said: "I was walking the beach with my kids and heard a thud. A huge thud next to me nearly on top of my head.

"A lady ploughed to the floor, smashing through the Central Pier.

"I was absolutely terrified... I thought she was dead."

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A Lancashire Police spokesman said yesterday: "We have received a report of a woman having fallen through a section of the pier in Blackpool at around 4.30pm today.

"The woman has been taken to hospital with injuries. The pier is currently closed."

A cordon was erected as police, paramedics, the fire service and the coastguard attended the scene.

Blackpool Pier Company, which runs Central Pier, has since shared a statement.

A spokesman said: "Following yesterday’s incident at Central Pier, we are working with the Local Authority and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

"Our thoughts remain with the person involved, and we wish her a speedy recovery."

The arcade at the front of the pier reopened at around 6pm yesterday.