The shootout in southern Paris on Thursday that left a policewoman dead and triggered searches of the area has not yet been linked with the attack on Charlie Hebdo, according to police sources.

Montrouge mayor Pierre Brossollette said the policewoman and a colleague went to the site to deal with a traffic accident. A car stopped and a man got out and shot at them before fleeing.

Witnesses said the shooter fled in a Renault Clio car. Police sources said he had been wearing a bullet-proof vest and had a handgun and assault rifle. However, one police officer at the scene tsaid the man did not appear to fit the bill of the Charlie Hebdo shooters.

- Reuters