A search to find two people pictured in a heart-warming moment outside Notre-Dame cathedral less than an hour before the devastating fire erupted has gone viral on social media.

The image shows what is believed to be a father and daughter people playing outside the iconic Parisian cathedral, with the photographer launching a desperate plea to find the duo. 

READ MORE: Notre Dame fire: The history of the city and the church are forever entwined 

23-year-old tourist Brooke Windsor, from Michigan, took the picture about an hour before the blaze ripped through the building.

In a bid to find them, she posted the photo on Twitter urging for everyone to share the picture to try and find the pair. 

READ MORE: Fidelma Cook: Why Notre Dame will live again after devastating fire 

202,000 people have shared her picture following her call to arms. 

Taking to social media, she said she had even considered offering the picture to the pair writing: "I took this photo as we were leaving Notre Dame about an hour before it caught on fire. I almost went up to the dad and asked if he wanted it. Now I wish I had. Twitter if you have any magic, help him find this."

"If it were me, I'd want the memory. Hoping he feels the same way.

She said that she did know for sure if it was a dad and daughter,  saying it may have been an uncle, brother, friend, who knows until we find them. It was taken at 5:57pm local time

Notre Dame was within “15 to 30” minutes of complete destruction during the disastrous blaze that claimed the roof and spire. 

READ MORE: Notre Dame fire: Parisians gather in horror as famous cathedral burns 

At one point it was feared the cathedral would be completely destroyed in the blaze, which lasted more than 12 hours.

The cathedral housed a collection of valuable treasures, some which were salvaged and are due to be moved to the Louvre museum.