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| A former Charlie Hebdo writer caught up in the January massacre at the newspaper’s office was one of |
A FORMER Charlie Hebdo writer caught up in the January massacre at the newspaper’s office was one of the first medics on the scene of the horrific Paris attacks.
Patrick Pelloux, an emergency room doctor and former journalist for the satirical publication, was called just minutes after reports of the initial attack.
At least 140 people are reported to have been killed and dozens more injured during a series of horrifying attacks across Paris.
Those dead include 118 people who had been held hostage in the Bataclan theatre in the French capital.
They were slaughtered inside the building before police shot dead two gunmen.
Earlier around 40 more were killed in a Kalashkinov shooting inside a restaurant in the 10th arrondissement of the capital.
The Foreign Office is yet to learn whether any British nationals were caught up in the attacks, a spokesman told NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com.
President Francois Hollande described the events as "terror attacks on an unprecedented level".
Those dead include 118 people who had been held hostage in the Bataclan theatre in the French capital.
They were slaughtered inside the building before police shot dead two gunmen.
Earlier around 40 more were killed in a Kalashkinov shooting inside a restaurant in the 10th arrondissement of the capital.
The Foreign Office is yet to learn whether any British nationals were caught up in the attacks, a spokesman told NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com.
President Francois Hollande described the events as "terror attacks on an unprecedented level".
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| Reports say up to seven locations have been attacked in paris |
The two attackers were killed in a police operation to rescue the hostages at the Bataclan theatre, according to French media.
Gunmen reportedly shouted "It's for Syria" and "Allah Akbar" inside the venue, but there has been no official comment on the motive.
The rock band Eagles of Death Metal were performing a sold-out concert at the theatre.
It is unclear whether the bandmates – who include Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age – were among those who were being held hostages.
An unverified Facebook post said: "There are still survivors inside the Bataclan. They're killing everyone one-by-one."
A spokesman for the band said: "We are still currently trying to determine the safety and whereabouts of all our band and crew.
"Our thoughts are with all of the people involved in this tragic situation."
Automatic gunfire was heard outside the theatre where the hostages are being held.
Images on social media showed two men who were ushered away from the theatre with blood clearly visible on their shirts.
Official reports later confirmed 120 of the hostages had died. It's unknown how many survivors there are.
Paris is in lockdown as President Hollande has declared a state of emergency, closing the country's borders.
He said: "France must be strong in the face of terrorism."
"Terrorist attacks are taking place in Paris. It's a horror. We have mobilised all possible forces."
A cabinet meeting will take place shortly and the French army has been mobilised. Up to 150 soldiers are being sent to the capital.
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| Paris is in lockdown as President Hollande has declared a state of emergency, closing the country's |
President Hollande has cancelled his trip to the G20 summit.
Deputy mayor of Paris Patrick Klugman said: "We are facing an unknown and historic situation in Paris."
The UK Foreign Office has warned Britons in the French capital to 'exercise caution' in the wake of the attacks.
Crystal Palace defender Martin Kelly was said to have been in the restaurant where the shooting took place. However, he is understood to be safe.
A shocked eyewitness known only as Louis told French media about the restaurant shooting: "The men came in and started shooting. Everyone fell to the ground. It was hell.
"I took my mum, and we hid. Someone near us said they have gone, so we ran out. I was only thinking of escaping.
"We're out now. I think people are still inside. It's a nightmare - a nightmare."
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| Deputy mayor of Paris Patrick Klugman said: "We are facing an unknown and historic situation in Pari |
French police said there has also been an explosion in a bar near the Stade de France when an international football match between France and Germany were taking place. This is understood to be a suicide bombing.
A separate suicide bombing was carried out around a minute later near the stadium in the north of Paris.
Three people are said to have been killed in the explosions.
Mr Hollande was at the stadium during the time of the explosion and was quickly escorted away.
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