A £6million superyacht has gone up in flames in a British harbour.

The massive ''fireball'' blaze on the expensive ''posh'' vessel broke out on Saturday (May 28) at Torquay Harbour in South Devon in the English Riviera.

Smoke could seen billowing across the blue skies above the heads of bemused sunbathers on nearby beaches. There were reports of ''huge flames'', explosions and the boat floating towards a pier after its moorings burned through.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say at least five fire engines were on the scene after the 85ft motorboat went up in smoke.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "There is an 85ft motorboat on fire. Fire crews called at 11.57am. ''Five fire engines on the scene. Liaising with the harbourmaster. “Please do keep away from the area.'' The Environment Agency says nine tonnes of diesel may have been spilled into the ocean and officials are trying to limit the pollution.

Environment AgencySW tweeted: ''Update on yacht fire in Torquay. With yacht now sunk, and with approx 9 tonnes of diesel on board, focus now on pollution. Pollution response led by harbour master. ''Our officers are helping with advice and guidance on bathing water quality etc''