Fireplace brickwork

[mcprinter]

Just had my gas fire removed

Replacing with an inset electric fire
The new fire is a little wider and fair bit lower
I chiselled out the bricks left and right. Right went OK and will just need a bit of filler to tidy. On the Left a big chunk of brick came out.
What is the best way to fill the gap where the brick broke?

Also need to fill the gap above the fire. About 120 mm.
Thought about screwing some timber and plasterboard?

 

[robinbanks]

Will it be seen? How wide is the fire surround?
May be easier to set the fire higher, brick the bottom up then fill it with a mix filler like easyfill. If you want the fire at the level set already then sure some timber screwed to the sides / top.

If there isn't a lintel, avoid hammer drilling upwards as the bricks may drop out

 

[mcprinter]

Thanks for the reply.

Yes it will be seen. The surround does not cover it.
It could possibly go higher
Thanks for the drilling tip