Multiple attacks in Paris - 40 people feared dead, 100 taken hostage

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Victims lay on the pavement in a Paris restaurant. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

At least forty people are feared dead following a number of suspected terrorist attacks in Paris tonight.

Some 100 people were taken hostage in a city concert hall in a related incident.

The French capital came under seige for the second time this year as authorities grappled with attacks aimed at killing and maiming innocent civilians.

The first incident is believed to have occurred in a Cambodian restaurant, Cambodge, in the 10th Arrondissement of the city shortly before 9pm Irish time, an area packed with many bars and restaurants.

A gunman reportedly took aim at diners inside and outside the restaurant.

Some 15 people have been killed iat a Paris concert hall, while three people have been killed near Stade de France, police have said, according to French news agency AFP.

Three explosions are reported to have been heard near Stade de France, about five or six miles from the city centre, where France were playing Germany in an international soccer friendly.

Police confirmed there had been shootings and explosions at the stadium, but not the number of casualties.

Around 100 people are reported to have been taken hostage at the Paris Bataclan concert hall, where 15 people have been killed, according to police.

The multiple attacks in Paris have left 40 people dead, police have said, according to news agency Associated Press.

French President Francois Hollande had been at the Stade de France and was taken out of the area.

Police helicopters circled the stadium north of Paris as Hollande rushed back to the interior ministry to deal with the situation.

Meanwhile, one witness said he heard gunshots as he was walking on a street in the 10th district of Paris close to Place de La Rqpublique. When he arrived outside a restaurant he saw bodies on the ground

"I saw three bodies being put into body bags," said Fabien Baron, a student.

Pictures posted online showed cracked windows of what appears to be a restaurant.

Opposite, the road opens up into a junction, where around 30 or 40 people were standing outside their cars and on the road. Police cars were seen behind them, while the road appeared to be closed.

Police officials confirmed the two incidents to the Associated Press.

Eyewitness Ben Grant said he was in a bar with his wife when the gunshots were fired and he had seen six or seven bodies on the ground.

He told the BBC: "I was told people in cars had opened fire on the bar.

"There are lots of dead people. It's pretty horrific to be honest.

"I was at the back of the bar. I couldn't see anything.

"I heard gunshots. People dropped to the ground. We put a table over our heads to protect us.

"We were held up in the bar because there was a pile of bodies in front of us."

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I am shocked by events in Paris tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help."

The Department of Foreign Affairs last night said it wasn’t in a position to comment on the attacks but may make a statement at a later stage.

Paris resident Stephane Hannache broadcast from the scene near the restaurant in the 11th district via Periscope this evening.

His live footage from the scene showed a fleet of police cars with sirens and emergency services surrounding the scene.

Speaking in English and French, Mr Hannache said: "Something is very wrong in Paris - a shooting maybe.

"There are lots of policemen. There are a lot of people waiting outside

"We heard gunfire maybe ten or fifteen minutes ago," Mr Hannache said.

A loud bang could also be heard during his live broadcast on Periscope.

One Irish person caught up in the attacks took to Twitter to tell of the terror he felt as the attacks unfolded.

Cormac Flynn, from Dundalk, said he was in a restaurant in the 11th administrative district of Paris where a shootout took place involving police officers.

“In a restaurant with one hurt following shooting in Paris, in the 11th. One injured here, they turned all the lights out to keep the restaurant hidden, police just arrived. Absolutely terrifying,” Mr Flynn said.

“Apparently someone opened fire in the Bataclan (nightclub), club nearby, and some of the injured are here.

He added: “Cops all round place now. We're just waiting down the back with everyone. Hear that someone shot from the balcony during a gig at Bataclan (night club).

He explained how staff at the restaurant then told the customers to move upstairs to safety. He was unable to respond to efforts to contact him.

“Everyone cramped in the stairwell, smoking, on their phones. One girl who was at Bataclan totally distraught

“We've been told to go to the top floor for safety reasons, so I guess there's still someone on the street. Neighbours have come out to give water to people,” he said.

More to follow.