BREAKING NEWS: ‘Two terrorists’ kill a police officer and wound another in AK-47 ambush on the Champs Elysees with one attacker shot dead – as French presidential candidates debate nearby
- A policeman was killed this evening after being ‘targeted’ while sat at a red light in the French capital
- Another officer was seriously wounded and the attacker was eventually shot dead on Thursday evening
- The fatal shooting on the world famous avenue took place as French presidential candidates debated nearby
A police officer was shot dead and another seriously wounded by two Kalashnikov-wielding gunmen on the Champs Elysees in central Paris tonight.
French police said that the incident was probably a ‘terrorist act’ and the world famous avenue was on lockdown by 9pm.
Heavily armed officers had flooded the area and a third individual – believed to be the killer – was killed, according to police sources.
Reports suggest ‘at least’ two people were involved in the attack which took place as presidential candidates took part in a TV debate nearby before Sunday’s election.
The Interior Ministry spokesman said on BFM TV the officers were deliberately targeted and the police union added that one of them was shot dead while sat in a car at a red light.
Scroll down for video
The fatal shooting took place as French presidential candidates, including Front National party leader Marine Le Pen (pictured), took part in a debate nearby
There are reports the second gunman who remains at large has fired shots in a shopping mall. Police in body armour and riot gear are on scene.
A witness identified only as Ines told BFM that she heard a shooting, saw a man’s body on the ground and the area was quickly evacuated by police.
The attack came three days before the first round of balloting in France’s tense presidential election.
It comes just two 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.