Two dead in Paris knife attack

One person was killed in a knife attack in Paris on Saturday and the assailant was shot dead by police, BFM TV said.

A person who carried out a knife attack in the heart of Paris on Saturday was overpowered by police, the Paris prefecture said, without giving any more details.

Eyewitnesses spoke of panic, describing people rushing back into restaurants and cafes from the streets. The motive for the attack was not immediately known.

The witnesses say police officers first tried to taser the attacker – but then fired two shots after this failed to stop the assailant, France24 reports.

Several injuries have been reported, though police have not confirmed the casualty count.

The area has been contained and the situation is under control, according to eyewitness accounts.

Source: France24, BBC, Reuters