Fire devastates Notre-Dame Cathedral

A fire has devastated Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, destroying its roof and its famous spire.

The fire broke out in the early evening of 15 April, and crowds on the banks of the River Seine watched in horror as flames engulfed the roof and the spire collapsed.

The fire

Around 400 firefighters fought the blaze for hours. Officials said later that the main structure, including the two bell towers and the front of the cathedral, had been saved.

The wooden roof, known as "the forest" because of the many oak beams used to build it, has been destroyed. The spire, added in the 19th century, fell through the roof.

Many of the cathedral's treasures, including the crown of thorns believed by Catholics to have been worn by Christ, were rescued by a human chain of firefighters, police and church officials.

Cause

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but officials say it may be linked to renovation work that was taking place on the roof. Prosecutors are treating it as an accident.

A symbol of France

Notre-Dame, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, is one of the most famous buildings in the world and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It attracts around 13 million visitors a year, and is featured in Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said the cathedral would be rebuilt, and launched an international fundraising campaign. Within hours, French businesses and wealthy families had pledged hundreds of millions of euros.

World reaction

Leaders around the world expressed their sadness. The Prime Minister, Theresa May, said her thoughts were with the people of France and with the emergency services fighting the fire.

The Queen said she was deeply saddened.

Rebuilding

Experts say rebuilding could take many years. There will be debate about whether to recreate the cathedral exactly as it was or to include a modern design.

Churches in Britain, including in Birmingham, have offered prayers for the people of Paris.

The fire came during Holy Week, the most important week in the Christian calendar, ahead of Easter.