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Tourists visiting the popular attraction are believed to have been trapped in the Paris landmark as armed police surrounded its base amid reports of a 'gunman' on the loose. Images from the scene show a police cordon surrounding the attraction, with witnesses being approached by police. Some even appear to be being searched as officers cleared the area. One person tweeted: “#EiffelTower is shut off with a large security presence from Trocadéro - trying to see what if anything is going on…” Another said: “#EiffelTower something not right?”

TWITTER Paris is facing two security alerts

Google Maps Map of central Paris showing the Eiffel Tower and Gare du Nord

Witnesses posted on social media to say the whole area around the tower’s base has been cleared and staff and tourists have been kept lcoked inside while officers investigate. French police have confirmed they arrested a man near the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Friday night. A Paris police official said: "A person was arrested, the incident is finished. "He wasn't armed, we'll know more about his motives tomorrow." The incident sparked had sparked panic in the iconic Paris monument. Bob Thomas said on Twitter: "Anyone know what is going on at the Eiffel Tower? All been shut down. "We're stuck in one of the legs outside the lift. We've been locked in. They say another 30 minutes.

Paris lockdown as the Eiffel Tower is evacuated Fri, September 1, 2017 Paris lockdown as the Eiffel Tower is evacuated Play slideshow Twitter 1 of 7 Paris lockdown: The Eiffel Tower is evacuated

TWITTER Police raced to the Eiffel Tower in Paris following gunman reports

We're stuck in one of the legs outside the lift. We've been locked in. They say another 30 minutes. Bob Thomas, witness

"Told it's a full lock down. We have been locked inside. "We are currently locked down at the base outside one of the lifts. "Been told a guy was acting weird but no confirmed weapon. The staff have been locked in with us. Confirmed incident though. "Everything is back on track. Man acting "weird" on second floor. Full lockdown. Man arrested." The Eiffel Tower has now reopened following the incident and trapped tourists have been allowed out.

TWITTER Security alerts have been reported in both the Gare du Nord and Eiffel tower

TWITTER Eurostar terminal at Gare du Nord has also been evacuated