Workers start to remove charred scaffolding around Notre-Dame Cathedral

A view shows Notre Dame Cathedral, as workers prepare to remove damaged scaffolding elements from the remains of the burnt roof, in Paris, France, June 8, 2020. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

PARIS (Reuters) - Workers began on Monday the delicate and risky task of dismantling 200 tonnes worth of charred and twisted scaffolding left surrounding the centuries-old Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after last year's fire.

The scaffolding had been erected for renovation work on the cathedral's old spire before the fire engulfed the major tourist attraction on April 15, 2019, destroying the spire and the roof in a disaster that stunned the nation.