French police
One person has killed and injured in a knife attack in Paris inside the Opera district, as confirmed by French media. During early reports of the story, the attacker was not identified and their motive was also not immediately made clear to the public.
What happened?
According to the BBC, local police officers attempted to use a taser against the attack but this proved unable to stop them; they then proceeded to fire two shots. At this time, it is believed that the unidentified attacker was shot dead by police.
The exact number of casualties is unclear at this time. According to France 24 and Reuters, officials confirmed that the number of casualties includes three injured and one person killed. According to Unian, there were two people who were reported to have been killed in the attack, possibly referring to both the attacker and the victim. According to the BBC, the number of those wounded was updated to around five; the same publication also took note that French police warned people not to spread rumors concerning the story. According to the Independent, at least two of the people who were injured might be in serious condition.
What are witnesses saying about the incident?
According to the Independent, a woman identified as “Fiona,” who did not want to disclose her last name, issued the following statement about the attack:
“First one we thought it was two guys fighting.”
“People that were queuing outside ran into the restaurant screaming, so everyone panicked and threw themselves on the floor.”
“Some guys including my friend blocked the door in case he would try to enter.”
“When we ran away they were still looking for the guy and one woman was laying down on the floor her neck was bleeding.”
“Fiona” also alleged that the attack could be heard shouting “Allahu akbar” and identified him as a man.
As this story is developing, more information will be updated as made available.
