A gunman who killed a Paris police officer, and seriously wounded another two, before being shot dead was “known to security services”.
It comes after the suspect opened fire on the police while they were stationed at the Champs-Elysees earlier tonight.
It is understood the assailant stepped out of a car at a red light and opened fire with a Kalashnikov machine gun, also known as an AK-47.
One officer have been confirmed dead, with two wounded, as has their assailant.
Police have confirmed they are now searching the attacker’s home.
The French Interior Ministry has said it is too early to say what the motive behind the attack was, but have said officers were deliberately attacked.
The counter-terror office has opened a preliminary investigation into the attack, but there has also been speculation that it could have been related to an armed robbery attempt.
Paris police spokeswoman Johanna Primevert said that the attacker targeted police guarding the area near the Franklin Roosevelt subway station.
A witness identified only as Ines told French television station BFM that she heard a shooting, saw a man’s body on the ground and the area was quickly evacuated by police.
The attack comes three days before the first round of France’s tense presidential election.
A televised debate with all 11 presidential candidates was being broadcast when the attack took place.
Security is high around the vote after France has been attacked in recent years.
Most recently, soldiers providing security at prominent locations were attacked in separate incidents – one at the Louvre museum in February and one at Orly airport last month.
