Fire devastates iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

A fire has ripped through the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, which was undergoing renovation work.

The cause of the blaze, which took nine hours to put out, remains unclear.

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to rebuild the iconic structure, saying: "This Notre-Dame Cathedral, we will rebuild it. All together. This is part of our French destiny.”

The cathedral, built between 1160-1260, and modified and renovated on several occasions since, has suffered major damage to much of its roof and spire.

A statement from the Paris Fire Brigade said: “The structure of the cathedral is saved and the main works of art have been safeguarded, thanks to the combined action of the different services of the state engaged with us.

“After more than nine hours of fierce fighting, nearly 400 firefighters from Paris have overcome the appalling fire.”

The statement added that two police officers and a firefighter were "slightly" injured during their efforts to put it out.

Hundreds of millions of euros have reportedly already been pledged for the rebuilding of the landmark.