Notre Dame fire: The 'most precious treasures' - including a centuries old crown of thorns - have been saved as Macron promises rebuild within five years

Smoke is seen around the altar inside the building (AP)

Jemma Crew and Tess de la Mare

Notre Dame's "most precious" treasures have been saved after a catastrophic fire, as more than 600 million euro was pledged to help rebuild the cathedral.

It comes as French President Manuel Macron addressed the nation tonight on television, committing to rebuilding the cathedral within five years.