Paris again: Terrorists open fire on church, take hostages

A church in Central Paris was targeted by gunmen, who opened fire and were said to have been holding hostages. 

French authorities claimed that they were investigating the attack, which took place inside the Saint-Leu church in Etienne Marcel. 

In a Twitter post, Journalist Jean-Pierre Duthion said: "Police personnel was worried about the crisis situation but do not want to create panic."

A police officer:
"There is a crisis situation, we don't want to create panic situation." Étienne Marcel#Paris #France

— Jean Pierre Duthion (@halona) September 17, 2016

Duthion added that rumours were floating about a possible hostage situation, but there was no official confirmation about it yet.

 

A helicopter was flying over the scene this afternoon. 

The police in Paris have taken to Twitter to say that the area near the Saint-Leu church, between Les Halles and Etienne Marcel has been cordoned off and people should avoid the area.

There are also reports on Twitter that police squads are on standby in the area.