Hundreds of people have watched on in shock as a raging blaze this evening devastated the 800-year-old Notre Dame cathedral, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Shocking pictures showed Notre Dame's spire being engulfed by roaring flames before it collapsed. Dark plumes of billowing smoke rose high into the air above the Gothic building, a major destination for tourists. A major operation is underway by the fire department at the cathedral located on the Ile de la Cite in the 4th arrondissement.
Notre Dame fire IN PICTURES: The massive blaze has caused the roof and spire to collapse (Image: Getty)
President Emmanuel Macron has cancelled a planned address to the nation he had been due to give on Monday night.
He tweeted: "Our Lady of Paris in flames. Emotion of a whole nation. Thought for all Catholics and for all French. Like all our countrymen, I'm sad tonight
