129 people killed in Paris terror attacks

At least 129 people are believed to have been killed after a series of terror attacks hit Paris last night. france+flag The attacks began at around 9pm local time, when a number of people were shot dead at bars and restaurants in the city centre. At 9.30pm there were three explosions at the Stade de France, where President Francois Hollande was in attendance as France played Germany. But the deadliest attack came around 10pm, when gunmen burst into the Bataclan concert hall, where an American rock band were playing, and took up to 1,500 people hostage. It is believed that over 80 people died here, before the police stormed the building. Reuters have claimed that 99 people are critically injured, though this is not yet confirmed. The French police say there were eight attackers, who are all now dead. One of the attackers was shot by police at the Bataclan, but the others all blew themselves up. They have yet to be identified, but the so-called Islamic State have claimed responsibility for the attacks, with President Hollande describing the attacks as an "act of war". As a result, a national state of emergency has been declared, the country's borders have been closed and 1,500 troops have been deployed onto the streets of Paris. The country will observe three days of national mourning. Screen Shot 2015-11-14 at 09.36.06 The incident is reminiscent of the Charlie Hebdo shootings, and the ensuing attacks which took place in Paris in January, although the scale of these new attacks were described by President Hollande as "unprecedented", and has vowed to respond "mercilessly". It is believed to be the worst act of violence on French soil since World War II. World leaders have expressed their condolences to France, and offered their support. The so-called 'marauding' attack is one which European capital cities, including London, have prepared for. British Prime Minister David Cameron is chairing an emergency COBRA meeting this morning in Whitehall in response. The threat level in the UK is currently 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely, but this will be considered again at this morning's meeting. This is a developing story, and will be updated as events unfold.