Social media was awash with videos appearing to show flames on the structure, and firefighters said they were responding to a fire.

But in a statement on Thursday afternoon, Lancashire Police said: "Our helicopter has flown over the tower and there is no fire. We can confirm what can be seen is orange netting.

"One man has been arrested on suspicion of Breach of the Peace and is being transported to custody."

When asked by Sky News, the force declined to say why the man was arrested.

Speaking after the true nature of the orange "flames" was revealed, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called out by "concerned members of the public due to a combination of factors that led them to believe it was a fire".

It added that they were assisted by the police helicopter, which used thermal imaging to investigate the incident.

Earlier, the fire service said: "We have six fire engines, the drone team and the rope rescue team currently in attendance at a fire on Promenade, Blackpool.

"Please stay away from the area. The drone team are in operation so please do not fly drones in the area as you may obstruct emergency operations."

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Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Blackpool Tower opened to the public in 1894 and stands some 158m (518ft) high.

In 2018, several people were trapped at the top of Blackpool Tower and had to be evacuated by firefighters after a fire in the building.