Security forces have reportedly killed two attackers after launching an assault on the Bataclan music venue, bringing the siege to and end.
Around 100 hosages were taken at the Paris concert venue, where at least 15 people have beeen killed.
Three police officials confirmed forces had gone into the building, which several officials said contained dozens of hostages.
One official described "carnage" inside the building, saying the attackers had tossed explosives at the hostages, and police said they expected the toll of victims to rise.
The Paris police prefecture told resident to remain home and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary.
At around half past midnight local time, a France 24 reporter close to the scene said loud "cracks and bangs", which sounded like automatic gunfire, had come from the Bataclan.
AFP News Agency reported police had said at least 15 had died in the siege after gunmen, reportedly with explosives, stormed the Eagles of Death Metal gig in Paris tonight, taking about 100 hositages.
The Bataclan is 200m from the former offices of the Charlie Hebdo magazine, where 11 people were killed in January.
Terrified hostage Benjamin Cazenoves, who was trapped in the concert hall, posted two harrowing messages on Facebook.
Mr Cazenoves posted: "I'm still at the Bataclan. First floor. Serious injuries."
He called on the authorities to act quickly to break the hostage situation.
"They need to attack quickly. There are survivors inside.
He managed to post two messages to Facebook despite the violence. In the first he described gunmen executing hostages "one by one."
"They are shooting everyone. One by one. First floor. Quickly. "
This message, posted at 10pm was followed 25 minutes later by another.
"Alive. Just cuts. Carnage. Dead bodies everywhere."
He appeared to have made it out in one piece.
A friend, Izabela Jeanneau wrote: " So glad to hear you made it out safely. "
BFM TV said that shooting at the Bataclan began one hour into the California band’s concert, when one or two gunman stormed the venue and began shooting in the air.
A statement on Eagles Of Death Metal's Facebook page 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."
Reports from French news site Liberation said that police warned the attackers may have taken explosives inside the concert hall.
Jonathan Hill from Cardiff, who is working in Paris, told the BBC he saw a man directing people into the Bataclan concert hall where people are being held hostage.
"I heard three distinct firing shots that at first I didn't believe were actual shots from a gun. They almost sounded like fireworks cracking off in the middle of the street," he said.
"And while that happened I saw a guy probably 6' 4" - 6' 5", quite a heavy set man looked Caucasian from about 50 yards away. And he was in the middle of the street shouting "Allez! Allez!" at people.
"He almost seemed to be a good Samaritan telling people to get out of from the cafes and go inside. As that happened I saw another shot and I saw someone collapse to the floor outside the Bataclan."
Foreign & Commonwealth Office helpline
Anyone directly concerned about friends or relatives in Paris can call 020 7008 1500
French media have reported that a firefighter has been seriously injured after being shot in the back at the theatre, and a journalist from French newspaper Le Monde has reportedly been brought to safety after he was shot in the shoulder while helping a victim wounded at the arts centre.
Witnesses have also reported a person being shot from the balcony after the terrorists stormed the building.
According to the venue’s calendar, the US rock band were performing a sold-out show at the concert hall tonight, with Josh Homme from Queens Of The Stone Age due to play with the group on stage tonight.
- More about:
- Bataclan
- Paris
- Paris shootings
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment