A CATASTROPHIC fire at Paris's Notre Dame cathedral has prompted a global outpouring of support.

Firefighters have now fully extinguished the fire, which left a nation mourning the devastation of its cultural and historic "epicentre".

The Very Reverend Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford said last night: "This is devastatingly sad for the people of France and everyone who loves such an inspiring house of prayer.

"Tonight we prayed for France and we feel the pain for the cathedral community of Notre Dame."

The Roman Catholic dean of Leeds Cathedral, Monsignor Philip Moger said: "In this Holy Week we at Leeds Cathedral were saddened to hear of the terrible fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. 

"The firefighters and the congregation, clergy and staff of Notre Dame and the people of Paris are in our prayers. 

"This great and much-prayed-in church bears witness to the faith of millions of people down the centuries. 

"May this coming great Feast of Easter give new hope and heart to all who hold Notre Dame dear."

The Diocese of Leeds includes many catholic parishes in the Bradford district.

Just under 400 firefighters tackled the historic blaze through the night, battling to stop it wreaking complete destruction of the treasured facade after flames torched the roof, sending its spire crashing to the ground before crowds of horrified Parisians.

Meanwhile, Dave Walton, deputy chief fire officer at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, hit out at a tweet from US President Donald Trump.

It said: "So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!"

Dave Walton shared the tweet with the message: "Of all the almighty half wits in all the world...your expertise in firefighting is on a par with your grasp of humility, equality and honesty.

"Arguably the most unwelcome and ill founded firefighting tip issued by anyone ever."

In a later tweet, he said the thoughts of firefighters all over the world were with their Pompiers de Paris colleagues, particularly the firefighter who was seriously injured while tackling the fire.

Two police officers and one firefighter were injured during the blaze, which saw teams battle to save the structure of the 850-year-old Gothic masterpiece and the priceless artefacts it housed.