Multi stove

[Josh scillitoe]

I would like to fit a multi stove into an existing fireplace as pictured
Done some research re stove size etc and I would need to increase the width of the existing opening by removing one brick either side
Problem is there is a lintel above these bricks I would like to remove
My question is can I remove these bricks without it collapsing and affecting structure above ?

Pretty certain the fireplace has been shortened as it used to have a fitted gas fire in it
House was bulit in 1966 approx

Thanks in advance
Cheers
Josh

 

[Doggit]

You'll need to take off the surround and tiles, and see if there's a lintel above the one that you can see. It's possible that the lintel and bricks either side have just been put in place to reduce the old opening.