Spire of a famous French cathedral burns

The tower of the famous French cathedral of Rouen is on fire.

Images posted on social media showed flames blazing from a scaffolding roof near the top of the building, known for its three towers that cap centuries-old architecture.

The Gothic cathedral is widely known because it was painted several times in the 19th century by the French impressionist Claude Monet.

“A fire has broken out on the tower of Rouen Cathedral. The origin of the fire is currently unknown. All public resources are being mobilised,” wrote the city’s mayor, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, on X.

The fire broke out in a section where construction work was taking place, regional officials said.

The cathedral has been evacuated and rescue workers are on site.

Residents were told to avoid the area and a security cordon was put in place around the building.

Television images from BFM TV showed a dark cloud of smoke rising from the tower and people in the streets below looking up in horror.

It was reported that 33 fire engines and 63 firefighters were on site and public transport in the area was disrupted.

The tower – made of cast iron and 151 metres high – is one of the tallest in Europe and the tallest in France.

The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most visited sights in Rouen.

This is where the Dukes of Normandy were traditionally crowned. Inside is a tomb containing the heart of Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, who was King of England from 1189 until his death in 1199.

The latest construction work on the cathedral is part of a project estimated to cost 1.33 million euros (1.12 million pounds), reports French daily Le Monde.

For several weeks it was surrounded by scaffolding and a white canopy.

There were no reports of casualties and authorities said the extent of the damage was unclear.

This breaking news story will be updated and further details will be released shortly.

Please refresh the page for the full version.

You can receive breaking news on your smartphone or tablet via the Sky News AppYou can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our Youtube channel to stay up to date with the latest news.