Help finding leak on chimney breast above fireplace near ceiling (with photos external / internal / loft)

[ZS123]

Hi
I have found this leak above fireplace on chimney breast near the ceiling. The damp patch is reading 93% with damp meter. The board in the loft, although stained is reading only 18%.

Can anyone review the below photos and offer any pointers on what maybe the source of the leak please. It has a gas fireplace fitted but has not been in use for quite some time.

The leak indoors is on the back gutter side of the chimney

Thanks for any pointers that anyone can give.

 

[noseall]

Hi
I have found this leak above fireplace on chimney breast near the ceiling. The damp patch is reading 93% with damp meter. The board in the loft, although stained is reading only 18%.

Can anyone review the below photos and offer any pointers on what maybe the source of the leak please. It has a gas fireplace fitted but has not been in use for quite some time.

The leak indoors is on the back gutter side of the chimney

Thanks for any pointers that anyone can give.

The one obvious but maybe not leak threatening, is the fact that a couple of tiles have been shoved up off their lugs (2 and 6 courses up from the chimney) and need re-seating. The top one may be admitting water.

 

[robinbanks]

Are you averse to removing the chimney?

 

[ZS123]

Are you averse to removing the chimney?

Yes plan to keep it