Crews from six fire engines tackled a blaze on a 34 metre long Sunseeker Yacht at Poole Quay.

They were called out shortly after 11pm. The yacht, which Sunseeker said is worth £9m, has suffered "100 per cent" damage, said the fire service.

It's thought the vessel was due to be delivered to its Mexican purchaser next week and that a crew from the country were in Poole in the past few days to familiarise themselves with it.

Footage by slaurenson1

The cause of the fire is unknown but police said it was not believed to be malicious.

Crews are still on the scene damping down.

Stewart McIntrye, chief operating officer of Sunseeker International, said: "The insurers have already been notified, we did that during the night. A surveyor has been appointed. We will go through our standard proceedures."

Footage by mattyhatch78

Fire service station manager Mike Cox said wind conditions helped by blowing the fumes and smoke away.

Police temporarily stopped people walking over the quay bridge until 2am because of the smoke but allowed drivers through.

Poole RNLI said it towed other yachts away to safety as "acrid smoke billowed through the air."

Crowds on Poole Quay watched the drama unfold late on Friday evening. Brent Coleman of Ferndown was attending a Round Table event at the Customs House.

He said: "One of the party saw a flicker of flame out of the corner of his eye and we went outside to see what was happening.

"It all seemed to take hold very quickly and was very dramatic. It was extremely sad to see it all being destroyed." Mr Coleman added: "It was fairly quiet on the quay at that point but it soon drew quite a big crowd." Sunseeker staff were said to be stunned by the blaze at one of the world's most famous luxury boatbuilding yard.

Poole RNLI crew, attending an awards dinner at the lifeboat college, went to the scene to assist in towing other Sunseekers away from the blazing yacht.

The yacht can take up to ten guests and five crew and has three decks. The particular model was launched at the London Boat Show in 2008.

Were you are the scene? Email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk

Full story and dramatic pictures, see the Daily Echo on Monday. Thanks to everyone who has sent in pictures.