A national state of emergency has been declared in France for the first time in a decade following the death of 127 people in a series of attacks across the French capital.

The move, which allows the country to shut its borders, increase its security and deploy an extra 1,500 troops, is in response to the deadliest attacks Europe has witnessed since the 2004 Madrid bombings.

It is understood that the attack on the 1,500-seat Bataclan hall which was hosting US rock group, Eagles of Death Metal, claimed the most victims, with gunmen opening fire on Friday night revellers in the packed-out venue.
 


Speaking to the media, one concert-goer, who was initially under the impression the disruption was part of the show, quickly realised the severity of the situation, recalling: "They didn't stop firing. There was blood everywhere, corpses everywhere. We heard screaming. Everyone was trying to flee."

It is understood that a further 40 people were gunned down when the attackers, armed with Kalashnikovs, took aim at diners in various eateries not far from the Bataclan concert hall.

Explaining the confusion which arose in the initial moments of the attack, a resident living in close proximity to one of the restaurants said: "We heard the sound of guns, 30-second bursts. It was endless. We thought it was fireworks."
 


Further victims were claimed on the northern fringe of the European capital when explosions went off at the Stade de France where 80,000 spectators, including the French president, had gathered to watch an international football game between France and Germany.

As the extent of the horror became clear, President Hollande took to the airwaves took to announce a state of emergency for the first time in a decade, with schools, museums, libraries, gyms, swimming pools, markets and world-famous family attraction, Disneyland, to remain shut today.

While numerous media outlets have reported that terrorist group, Isis, have 'claimed responsibility' for last night's atrocities, those details have yet to be confirmed.
 


Commenting on the events of last night, US President Barack Obama called them "an outrageous attempt to terrorise innocent civilians" while British Prime Minister, David Cameron, extended his deepest sympathies to all those affected, saying: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help."

As the public learned of the horror which unfolded in the French capital last night, the rest of the world's capital cities paid tribute to Paris by illuminating their own national landmarks in red, white and blue.

The Eiffel Tower stood in darkness.
 

 

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