Unsure how to remove an old fireplace surround

[Mxj]

Hi all, first time poster, long time lurker (usually able to work out what to do from past threads).

I've been removing an old fireplace, but cannot work out how to remove the surround. I've exposed the outer brick, but can't seem to find any fixings there.

I noticed in a gap that there's some form of metal going from near the surround to behind (I assume) infil bricks. I took a look from within the chimney and attached some pictures. Problem is I'm not sure how to remove this, or if it's even what is fixing the surround in place.

There's a bit of give at the top of the surround, but hardly no give when prying once 4 or so inches down. House is approx 1900's.

Any help is hugely welcome, I've not seen anything like this in previous posts, cheers!

Fireplace4

• Mxj
• 17 Apr 2021

Fireplace1

• Mxj
• 17 Apr 2021

Fireplace2

• Mxj
• 17 Apr 2021

Fireplace3

• Mxj
• 17 Apr 2021

Fireplace5

• Mxj
• 17 Apr 2021

 

[Mxj]

Incase anyone else has something similar and see's this, the metal brackets had screw attachments to the surround. These screw attachments weren't to either side of the surround but directly behind it. The way the infil bricks were laid in meant that it was impossible to detach the surround from the bracket without removing the infil bricks first.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Thanks for the update