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The hostage, 84-year-old Father Jacques Hamel, was killed by the attackers, who stormed a church in the town of Saint Etienne du Rouvray at around 10am local time (9am UK time) yesterday.

The knifemen slit his throat after they entered the church by the back door shouting "Allah Akbar", according to local media. One of the attackers has been named Adel Kermiche.

The victim was filmed as he was forced to kneel before the sadistic killers knifed him in the throat, one of the nuns has said.

A statement released by Islamic State yesterday afternoon claimed two of its "soldiers" had carried out the attack.

The men were shot dead by police officers as they emerged from the church.

A number of shots were heard over a period of around 15 seconds as the incident came to an end.