Updated: France has declared a national state of emergency and has closed its borders after coordinated attacks in at least seven locations across Paris. Dozens of people are confirmed dead by French police, with as many as 100 killed in the Batacan arts centre who were being held hostage.
Three people were killed in an attack near the Stade de France, with some reports suggesting a suicide blast.
Paris authorities have urged people to stay indoors.
Military personnel are being deployed across Paris.
The deadliest attack appears to have targeted the Bataclan concert hall. The BBC’s Hugh Schofield says scores of ambulances have arrived at the scene, suggesting many victims inside.
Other attacks hit Le Petit Cambodge restaurant in the 11th district where a BBC reporter could see 10 people lying on the road, either dead or seriously injured. Another hit the nearby Le Carillon bar.
Three police officials confirm that security forces have launched an assault on the Paris concert hall where hostages have been taken.
Update: None of the officials could be named when discussing the ongoing operation, which several officials said involved dozens of hostages. An eyewitness told Liberation newspaper that he had heard more than 100 rounds being fired at a cafe in rue de Charonne. There are reports of up to six gunmen involved.
Luc Peillon, from newspaper Liberation, says a number of explosions are heard inside the Bataclan. A witness, Samia, is currently telling french radio station France Info that she is shocked to see that many people coming out of the building – many people are slowly coming out of the building either with their hands above their heads, or on a stretcher. She adds that the bulk of them are very young, which, she says, makes it very sad to witness.
Source: AP, BBC, The Guardian