Notre Dame fire: Before and after photos show extent of damage after Paris inferno

Sections of 850-year-old building are completely destroyed

Pictures from the scene show the extent of the damage dealt to Notre Dame after a fire burned through the cathedral overnight.

The wooden roof of the building has been mostly destroyed, with its ancient wooden beams turned to ash.

The interior has fared far better, however. Constructed mostly from concrete, it has not suffered the same devastation as the roof.

Many treasures of the cathedral, such as the Crown of Thorns and the 18th century great organ, have also survived intact.

The fire was officially extinguished shortly before 9am on Tuesday.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known; officials suspect it is linked to the renovation work that was ongoing.

Paris prosecutors have opened an investigation into “accidental destruction by fire”.

A spokesperson for Paris Fire Brigade has said now that the fire is out “this phase is for experts” to determine how the building will be secured and restored.