Seattle's most famous landmark -- the Space Needle -- becomes centre point for triumphant celebrations as the city's team, the Seahawks, beat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII

With shouts, cheers and fireworks, Seattle residents celebrated a dominant victory in the Super Bowl -- the city's first major sports championship in more than 30 years.

The most famous Seattle landmark -- the Needle -- was centre point of the celebrations, with fireworks going off around a flag with number 12 on it, symbolising the name of the Seattle Seahawks fans.

The Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos 43-8.

Thousands of people took to the streets throughout the city and Seattle police had an increased presence in many neighbourhoods Sunday night.

Fans blared horns and launched fireworks -- and in the University District, near the University of Washington, fire crews extinguished at least one bonfire as rowdy fans were out in force.

In Occidental Park in Pioneer Square, near CenturyLink Field where the Seahawks play, people waving "12th Man" flags took to the street, and others climbed trees and sculptures.

Fans in some neighbourhoods blocked traffic, and in downtown a line of cars stretched for blocks as people cheered and horns blared.

The last time a major Seattle sports franchise won a championship was in 1979 when the Supersonics took the NBA title.

Source: APTN

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