The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A police officer has been shot dead by a gunman in Paris in what officials have described as a likely "terrorist" attack.

Two other officers are said to be seriously injured after the 'Kalashnikov'-wielding attacker opened fire in the French capital.

The horror shooting occurred on the Champs Elysees - one of the world's most prestigious boulevards - tonight.

At least two attackers are believed to have been involved in the attack, one of whom has been killed.

For live updates on the shooting, click here

(Image: REUTERS)

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The other is feared to be on the run.

The gunman who was killed in the attack was known to security services, a police source told Reuters.

The shooting came as French presidential candidates took part in a TV debate nearby, with voters preparing to go to the polls on Sunday.

Police say it was probably "a terrorist act". However, three police sources claim it could have been an attempted armed robbery.

A French Interior Ministry spokesperson told BFM TV that the officers were deliberately targeted in the shooting.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: AFP)

According to Paris's police union, the tragic officer was shot by the gunman while sitting in a car at a red light.

The attacker is said to have been driving by at the time. It is unclear whether the other officers were also in the car.

Shots rang out in the area shortly before 9pm local time (8pm UK time), next to a Marks & Spencer store.

One eyewitness said the man got out of his vehicle and opened fire with a Kalashnikov, striking the officers.

It is unclear whether the suspected second attacker was also in the car.

(Image: REUTERS)

(Image: AFP) (Image: AFP)

A witness identified only as Ines told BFM TV that she heard a shooting and saw a man's body on the ground.

She said she also saw the area being quickly evacuated by police.

The victims are yet to be named.

Police searches are now taking place at the home of the killed attacker, located east of Paris.

Hundreds of heavily armed officers have now flooded the site, while a helicopter has been seen flying over the capital.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: Twitter/@nnnnnccccyyy)

Police have called on the public to avoid the area.

The Interior Ministry spokesperson said tonight it was too early to say what the motive of the attack might be.

As news of the shooting spread, US President Donald Trump offered his condolences to the people of France.

He said the incident appeared to be another terrorist attack.

"What can you say? It just never ends. We have to be strong and we to be vigilant," Mr Trump said at a press conference.

(Image: Sky News)

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The UK Foreign Office said: "The British Embassy is in contact with local authorities and urgently seeking further information following reports of a shooting incident on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

"You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local security authorities and/or your tour operator.

"If you're in the area and it is safe to do so, contact your friends and family to tell them you are safe."

The French prosecutor's office says the country's counter-terrorism office has opened an investigation.

(Image: Josh Hallett/Flickr)

The shooting came just hours after the nearby Rue de Rivoli had been shut down due to a "suspicious package".

France has lived under a state of emergency since 2015 and has suffered a spate of Islamist militant attacks that have killed more than 230 people in the past two years.

Earlier this week, two men were arrested in Marseille whom police said had been planning an attack ahead of the election.

A machine gun, two hand guns and three kilos of TATP explosive were among the weapons found at a flat in the southern city along with jihadist propaganda materials according to the Paris prosecutor.

This story is developing.