France: Nantes Cathedral damaged in arson attack

St Peter & St Paul Cathedral, Nantes. Wiki image - Eusebius (Guillaume Piolle)

French prosecutors believe that a fire that broke out in Nante's 15th-century St Peter and St Paul Cathedral earlier today (Saturday) was started deliberately. Tourists and residents watched in horror as firefighters battled the blaze at the Cathedral, which has been described as a 'Gothic Jewel'.

In a statement on Twitter, French President Emmanuel Macron wrote: "After Notre-Dame, the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral, in the heart of Nantes, is in flames. Support for our firefighters who take all risks to save this Gothic jewel of the city."

Nantes Mayor Johanna Rolland called the building part of France's history and heritage. The blaze shattered stained glass windows and sent black smoke spewing from between its towers.

Local firefighters said the roof was not touched by the fire. They stressed the blaze was now "under control."

French Prime Minister Jean Castex and French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin were due to visit the site late Saturday.

Police are now investigating the cause of the fire. Media reports suggest the fire appears to have started in three different places in the Cathedral.