Old fireplace remove bricks

[Ellenp83]

We have removed a plaster boarded wall in our living room. Is it possible and safe to remove some bricks from this previous fireplace space without the whole thing falling down? Specifically the bricks which I have circled? The lintel looks like it’s made of concrete. The plan is to have a plasterer do something like the photo which I have also attached. We would do the brick slips ourself likely.

Thanks!

 

[theflyingpig]

Can't see why not, looks like you've plenty of lintel either side...

 

[Mr Chibs]

There might be corbelled bricks going up the chimney above the ones circled, sometimes they are just bodged in, so check before removing the 'circled' bricks. As previous you have plenty of lintel.