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Initial indications were that the man, who was fighting for his life after being shot, was an Egyptian who arrived in France at the end of January, a source close to the investigation said. Two security sources said the attacker has been identified as Abdullah Reda al-Hamamy, a 29-year-old Egyptian born in Dakahlia, a province northeast of Cairo. Reports say the on-duty soldier opened fire after the man tried to attack him with a machete outside the Louvre Carrousel shopping centre in central Paris. The man is thought to have tried to enter the museum's underground shop carrying two backpacks at around 10am (local time). A French police spokesperson said the man cried out "Allahu Akbar" - meaning God is the greatest in Arabic - as he "launched" himself at the soliders, according to reports. WHAT DOES "ALLAHU AKBAR" MEAN?

LEPARISEN Soldier stands outside the Louvre museum in Paris

We are dealing with an attack from an individual who was clearly aggressive and represented a direct threat, and whose comments lead us to believe that he wished to carry out a terrorist incident Michel Cadot, head of police

Head of police, Michel Cadot, said he believes the man wanted to carry out a terror attack. He said: "We are dealing with an attack from an individual who was clearly aggressive and represented a direct threat, and whose comments lead us to believe that he wished to carry out a terrorist incident. "There was also a second individual who was behaving suspiciously, who has also been detained, but for now there does not appear to be a link between that individual and the attack." They believe he was acting alone, but have detained a person who was acting suspicously. The four patrol soldiers are said to have tried to subdue the man using non-violent force to no avail. When this failed and one soldier was injured, five shots were fired and the attacker was taken to hospital. Little is known about the attacker, but reports suggest he is in his 30s.

Tourists told to sit on ground in locked halls inside the #Louvre pic.twitter.com/Ux1PTh4gbs — Wang Feng (@ulywang) February 3, 2017

GETTY Police patrol the area following the incident

The Ministry of the Interior confirmed a woman was arrested at the scene, but they say it is not clear what role, if any, she had in the attack. They say we have to be "cautious" at this stage about suggesting she was involved. The bomb squad disposal team were called to the scene, but Mr Cadot said the attacker's bag contained no explosives. An anti-terrorism inquiry has been opened, the public prosecutor said in a statement. The identity and nationality of the attacker remains unknown for now, French Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet told reporters. Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the incident was "clearly of terrorist nature". IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO PARIS?

GETTY The attack is said to be terror related

The man reportedly approached the guards and pulled out a machete-type knife. One soldier was reportedly left with an injury to his head. The interior ministry confirmed a "serious security incident" was underway. The assailant has been left with serious injuries to his stomach after he was shot five times. Earlier reports suggested he had wounds to his leg. The man was earlier thought to have been carrying a suitcase. A police source said: “He was carrying a suitcase and was refused access. “The man immediately withdrew a knife, and attacked. “It was at this moment that a soldier used his weapon to disable the men, who was wounded. The area has been evacuated.” TERROR ATTACKS TIMELINE

LOUVRE SHOOTING: Live photographs Fri, February 3, 2017 Pictures live from the Louvre after soldier shoots a man carrying two backpacks who attacked him with a knife. Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 17 Armed Police at the site.

we've all been locked inside the louvre there are hundreds of police vans outside pic.twitter.com/KQVPrFSPi3 — maya (@mayaffff) February 3, 2017

GETTY Police believe the man wanted to carry out a terror attack

Around 250 terrified tourists visiting the museum were moved into rooms to keep them safe. After the attack unfolded, they were told to crouch down on the ground. French interior ministry say they will be allowed out in small groups once vetted. Panic has erupted as a nearby gallery and the Louvre Carrousel shopping centre have been evacuated. Local metro stations inlcuding Louvre-Rivoli, Ponte Neuf and Palais Royale have also been closed off to members of the public as the drama unfolds.

REUTERS French army paratroopers patrol near the Louvre museum in Paris

REUTERS Firefighters are on the scene