At least two dead as knifeman 'stabs people at random' in Paris

A man armed with a knife went on the rampage in central Paris on Saturday night, killing one innocent pedestrian and injuring several more, before being killed himself. 

French authorities say a knife-wielding assailant stabbed one person to death and injured four in the centre of Paris before being shot dead by police.

Police said the person armed with the knife targeted five people, killing one and seriously injuring two and lightly injuring the other two.

The Sun reports that journalist Charles Pellegrin said: 

I came out of a comedy show near Opera in central Paris and was immediately told to go back in because there was a madman with a knife.

Once back inside we heard sirens and two gun shots.

I then spoke to eyewitnesses who told me a man stabbed multiple people at random.

French media is reporting that two people, including the attacker, have been killed. Four more have been injured.

The identity of the attack suspect and reason for the attack are unclear.

Eyewitness Fiona Zanetti tweeted:

I was in a restaurant rue saint Augustin in the 2eme arrondissement, crowd panic, blood, a guy with a knife in the streets and people screaming, avoid the area if you can.

French authorities are denouncing the attack. Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said the alleged attacker was “neutralised” by police and has praised the “cool and quick reaction” of the officers.

Police have set up a perimeter and say the situation is under control.

Paris has been under higher security in recent years after a string of deadly Islamic extremist attacks.

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