A group of masked attackers in three cars fired AK-47 assault rifles at young people in the French city of Marseille yesterday, local media has reported.

One man is said to be 'slightly injured' after the assault, which began at about 5pm and which also included the use of handguns.

The gunmen - who are still on the run - began firing at a crowd of young people outside the city's cultural centre.

Shocking amateur footage shows the attackers, dressed in black, firing in the street.

One of the young people - a man - was taken hostage, it has been reported.

Shocking amateur footage shows the attackers, dressed in black, firing in the street after jumping out of a car

One man is said to be 'slightly injured' after the assault, which began at about 5pm and which included the use of handguns. Pictured: Police at the scene

The gunmen began firing at a crowd of young people outside the city's cultural centre. Police have now sealed off the scene

There was then a shoot-out with police before the attackers fled.

According to France Bleu, some of the gunmen were seen travelling in a Renault Megane, which blocked a police car responding to the shooting.

Between two and four men then got out of the car and began firing.

The police reportedly shot back at the car and hit one of its windows, but it escaped.

There were no serious injuries, but one man was treated for a wound to his head.

Investigators said they found 9mm and 7.62mm cartridges at the scene.

According to France Bleu , some of the gunmen were seen travelling in a Renault Megane, which blocked a police car responding to the shooting. Pictured: Police at the scene

A security perimeter has been established in the area.

Christophe Reynaud of the Marseille police said one resident was hit in the head with a butt of a gun and slightly injured during the incident in the Busserine district on early Monday evening.

Reynaud ruled out terrorism as a motive and said the shooting probably was drug-related.

He says the group drove away and has not been apprehended.