Paris shooting leaves one policeman dead and three injured as ‘ISIS terrorist who was jailed for 20 years for gun attack on cops’ opens fire with an AK47 on the Champs-Élysées
A 39-year-old attacker – identified as Karim C. – was shot dead by police following the “terror attack” at the central boulevard of the Champs-Élysées, which ISIS have claimed responsibility for.
The attack comes just three days before the start of the French presidential election, and sparked calls for voting to be suspended.
Two police officers were ‘seriously injured’ in the attack and officials confirmed a ‘female foreign tourist’ was also wounded.
Last night, police were searching the suspect’s house in Chelles – an eastern Paris suburb – despite his ISIS nickname The Belgian leaking on their Amaq news agency.
It was also reported he was previously jailed for 20 years for shooting at cops in 2003, after being caught driving a stolen car – but then was released early.
He is also thought to have been known to security services for “extremist links” and is believed to have been questioned recently in Meaux, outside Paris, after “informants” told cops he was “seeking to obtain weapons to kill policemen.”
Cops have said they are hunting a second suspect who may have been involved in the attack.
Local police advised people to avoid the area after shots were fired at around 9 pm local time.
Witnesses said the attacker pulled up beside a stationary police car and fired through the window.
“He parked just behind the van and he got out with a Kalashnikov and I heard six gunshots,” a witness named Chelloug said.
“I thought they were firecrackers because we all looked around the road and there was no one.
“In fact, he was hidding behind the van and shooting at the police.
Two French police officers killed by the gunman in Paris ‘terror’ attack”. two year-oldI think he hit a policeman. As soon as the policeman opened the door of the van, he fell, I think.
“As soon as we saw that, we all ran back inside (a building). We hid and I went up to the first floor and we saw them (the policeman) shoot him (the perpetrator).”
He added: ” I was afraid. I have a two-year-old girl and I thought I was going to die… He shot straight at the police officer.”
President Francois Hollande said officials were “convinced” the incident is a terror attack, even before ISIS claimed responsibility.
Paris Prosecutor’s anti-terror office has opened an inquiry.
ISIS claims it was behind Paris police shootingYvan Assioma of the police union Alliance said: “The exact circumstances are still unclear but I can confirm the tragic death of one of our colleagues. Our thoughts are very much with the family.
“One or several attackers have been shot dead by the police. Some officers were hit but the bullets were stopped by their bulletproof vests, but two were hit.
“Nothing is being ruled out for the time being, terrorism or a criminal act.”
Champs-Elysees in Paris evacuated after two police officers shot dead
French police closes traffic on Champs Elysees after shootingA Government spokesperson said: “An automatic weapon was used against police, a weapon of war.
“The shooting started shortly after 9 pm when a car stopped alongside a stationary police car.
“A man immediately got out and opened fire on the police car, fatally wounding a police officer. He also wounded a second one, it would seem very seriously.”
The shooting happened near the Métro station Franklin D Roosevelt and the Marks and Spencer store on the Champs-Elysées.
It is one of the most famous streets in the world and a busy tourist hub.
Armed police and emergency services have been spotted at the scene.
Armed officers tak e position behind a kiosk on the Champs ElyséesFrance’s President Francois Hollande has scheduled an emergency meeting following the shootings.
French Presidential candidates Marine Le Pen and Francois Fillon have cancelled their trips tomorrow.
The attack comes just days after police arrested two men in southern Marseille with weapons and explosives who were suspected of preparing an attack to disrupt the first-round of the presidential election on Sunday.
Policeman shot dead and ‘two seriously injured’ on Champs-Élysé, Paris
Police officers evacuate people off the Champs-Elysees after ‘terror attack’France is in a state of emergency and at its highest possible level of alert since a string of terror attacks that began in 2015, which have killed over 230 people.
The UK Foreign Office said: “The British Embassy is in contact with local authorities and urgently seeking further information following reports of a shooting incident on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
“You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local security authorities and/or your tour operator.
“If you’re in the area and it is safe to do so, contact your friends and family to tell them you are safe.”
Maine Republic Email Alert 