PARIS (AA): Well over 100 people may have been killed in a shootout in a Paris arts center, as a wave of gun attacks and explosions rock the French capital.
French media quoted police as saying late Friday that around 100 people alone died in a gun battle at the Bataclan arts centre; two gunmen were also reportedly killed.
This followed local reports which said a crowd had taken hostage at the centre.
Security force sources earlier said that at least 40 people had died but various local media reports suggest a much higher figure from at least two suicide bombings, another explosion and a drive-by shooting.
Three explosions were reported outside a bar near the Stade de France, where France was hosting Germany in an international football friendly. French President Francois Hollande was watching the game and was evacuated by his security team.
A drive-by shooting left at least 11 people dead at Le Petit Cambodge restaurant in the 11th district; a separate shooting targeted another restaurant in Rue de Charonne.
At the city’s Bataclan arts centre, police forced their way inside and explosions and gunshots were reported shortly after. President Holland and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls are on their way to the scene.
Police also said the wave of attacks has left at least 60 people hurt.
Hollande used a TV address earlier to declare a state of emergency across the country; all borders will be closed. French president has also cancelled a planned trip to Turkey where he would have taken part in the G20 summit.
An urgent Cabinet meeting has been called to evaluate the situation, local media reports.
At least 400 French troops have been deployed in various parts of the capital.