An ancient Mayan pyramid in northern Belize has been destroyed by construction workers looking for materials to build a highway.

The Nohmul Temple was one of the largest in the country, and was estimated to be 2,300 years old. Only the core of the limestone structure now remains.

Archaeologists say they were alerted to the damage last week, and that incidents of this kind are not uncommon.

Will Grant reports from Mexico.

Footage courtesy Channel 7