Update: Up to 158 people have been confirmed dead from these attacks, Paris Deputy Mayor Patrick Klugman has revealed, with that number expected to rise “substantially”.
118 alone were killed inside the Bataclan theatre, were witness claim scenes were akin to a “blood bath” and that the terrorists were shooting at them “like birds”.
Another 40 were confirmed dead from other attacks around Paris.
Police also confirmed that they have successfully evacuated “at least 100” hostages from the concert hall.
Several news sources have reported that terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but there has been no official confirmation.
Witnesses from inside the concert hall alleged that the gunmen were “speaking in French”.
People take shelter inside the Stade de Paris.
Paris Attacked by Terrorists
France has declared a national State of Emergency after gunmen opened fire on several sites in Paris today.
More than 100 people have been confirmed dead, with hundreds more injured, in this horrific attack.
There were five sites attacked, with the Stade de Paris, the Bataclan concert hall, a restaurant and a shopping mall rumoured to be among them.
Gunmen opened fire on the concert hall and the stadium, taking hostages as they went, whilst it’s understood that the restaurant and the shopping mall were attacked by suicide bombers.
Children, families and young people were among the victims.
French president François Hollande has declared France in a State of Emergency and has closed the borders.
“We don’t know where this menace is coming from, but they are terrorists,” said François Hollande.
The French President confirmed that the police and emergency service will use “any means necessary” to prevent further attacks.
Gunmen Still At Large
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed today that five off the attackers had been “neutralized” by local armed forces, although they did not elaborate on what that term implied.
However, despite five being “neutralized”, several other attackers are reportedly still on the loose in Paris.
It is currently unknown if these attackers are continuing on their killing spree, but local forces, including police, emergency services and armed forces, have been mobilised.
Paris To Shut Down
Following the attacks, the Mayor of Paris has confirmed that Paris will be going into “shut down”.
Tweeting from the official account, they confirmed that “All schools, museums, libraries, gyms, swimming pools and food markets will be closed on Saturday.”
Although France has entered into a State of Emergency, which traditionally would close down all flights and borders, Sky News is reporting that flights, trains and other transportations may still be operating in order to evacuate those attempting to flee the country.
It is expected that this will be short lived however, with flights to be shut down completely.
Scenes from the Paris attack.
Paris Opens Its Doors To Those Affected.
Paris residents have opened their doors, literally, to those caught in the attacks today.
Taking to social media, residents have begun tweeting #PorteOuverte (#DoorsOpen), inviting those seeking shelter and safety inside their own homes.
“Hey tourists in #Paris if you need help or some place to sleep around Jussieu 5th arrondissement, my door is open. #PorteOuverte #OpenDoor,” tweeted one resident.
Taxi drivers are also offering fleeing tourists and residents free taxi rides all night to deliver them to safety.
Australia Rallies For Paris
Julie Bishop, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, held an emergency press conference today to speak on the attacks, which she described as a “black day” for France.
Commenting on allegations it was ISIS who perpertrated the attacks, Bishop said, “We don’t know who has carried out these horrendous attacks on innocent people but it certainly has all the hallmarks of the terrorist attacks we’ve seen in recent times by ISIL, Daesh and similar organisations.”
Bishop also confirmed that, although there are around 2,500 Australians currently in France, none have been involved in this attack.
“The Australian government extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in these horrific attacks that have occurred in Paris overnight,” said Bishop.
“This is indeed a Black Friday for France and for the world.”
World Leaders Respond
Leaders from around the world have commented on the heinous attacks today in Paris.
US President, Barack Obama, held an emergency press conference just hours after the attack, confirming that the US will do “whatever it takes to bring these terrorists to justice”.
Speaking on the event, President Obama said that the attacks were not just on France, but on “all humanity” and offered his condolences to those lost in the attacks.
Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also spoke on the events, saying, “Australians’ thoughts, prayers [and] resolute solidarity with people of France as they respond to brutal terrorist attacks in Paris tonight.”
Prince Charles, who is in Australia, shared a message of support with President Hollande.
“The Prince of Wales is sending President Hollande a message of profound sympathy and solidarity with the people of Paris,” said a statement from Clarence House.
British Prime Minister David Cameron also spoke out about the events, saying: “We will do whatever we can to help.”
“I am shocked by events in Paris tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help,” he tweeted.
Several historical landmarks around the world, including the World Trade Centre in New York and Christ The Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, have been lit up in blue, white and red in solidarity with France.
Sydney’s Town Hall will also be lit up tonight in red, blue and white, with Australian residents calling for the same to be done for the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Government officials are urging people in Paris to stay indoors for safety. If you or someone you know is in the affected area, please seek shelter or contact the 24-hour emergency consular line on 1300 555 135.
Facebook has also instituted a ‘safety check’ system, so people in France can alert their friends and family of their safety.
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