What is this brickwork in our fireplace?

[1930ssemi]

We are in the process of opening up our fireplace in our 1930’s semi, we have a large arch higher up the wall, so need to install a lintel lower down for the new opening. However, when taking out the builders rubble we have found some very messy and disorganised brickwork we would like to remove, but are concerned it may be supporting the flue, as we can’t actually see what is holding it up, however, it looks like it was put in at a later date as the bricks are different?

Ideally we would like to remove some of the flue brickwork as well, to make a larger opening, would we need another lintel for that?

We are complete novices, and have searched the Internet high and low and cannot find an answer to this. Does anyone have any advice?

 

[1930ssemi]

Edit- added pictures now

 

[JohnD]

You can "copy and paste" pictures into your post.

 

[1930ssemi]

Thank you, I’ve added them now

 

[^woody^]

If you remove those random bricks at the back, you may find you are looking into the neighbour's room. The brickies of the time used to just drop those bricks in to fill the space quickly.

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

from the higher up the picture it looks to me like theres organised brickwork behind that lot.

 

[1930ssemi]

Yes the disorganised brickwork is set forward off the back wall, so I think behind it is organised brickwork rather than the neighbours chimney (I hope!).

I’m concerned that it’s supporting the sides of the flue though? As I can’t see what’s holding them up?

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

stick your head in and have a look up.
i suspect all thats there is whats in the picture. but check first.

 

[1930ssemi]

I’ve had a look and the it looks like the flue continues to the top of the supporting arch then goes off at an angle?