Fire safety

Notre Dame was 'no accident' – why France believes Paris cathedral blaze was Europe’s 9/11

The iconic landmark was consumed by flames last Monday night in a massive blaze which destroyed its wooden roof and spire and sparked an outpouring of goodwill across the globe. Firefighters managed to saved the cathedral’s main bell towers and outer walls from collapse before bringing the fire under control. City officials declared the fire started accidentally and ruled out a criminal investigation, sparking accusations in some quarters of a cover-up.

Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, who heads a political movement called "Stand Up, France” and is a former presidential running mate of Marine Le Pen, said he was not satisfied with official explanations.

He demanded on live TV to know whether the fire had been accidental or the result of an "attack."

He said: “When you’re on the other side of the cathedral you feel as if you’re in a war zone.”

The Paris prosecutor's office has stressed from very early on there is no evidence suggesting "a deliberate act" and there will be no criminal investigation.