British PM says her thoughts are with French people after Paris cathedral fire

LONDON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday night that "my thoughts are with the people of France" after an 850-year-old Paris cathedral is being devastated by ferocious blaze.

The prime minister twittered: "My thoughts are with the people of France tonight and with the emergency services who are fighting the terrible blaze at Notre-Dame cathedral."

The world famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was engulfed by a devastating inferno that caused its main spire and roof to collapse.

Flames can be seen bursting through the roof as smoke billows over the iconic site which attracts millions of tourists every year.

The cathedral is famous for featuring in Victor Hugo's classic novel the Hunchback of Notre-Dame.