Paris attack: One dead and another injured after horrific attack close to Eiffel Tower by assailant who screamed 'Allah Akbah'
The Paris attack has left one dead and another injured
REUTERS
An attack in Paris by a man alleged to have shouted "Allah Akbah" has left one person dead and another injured.
The assault, which took place close to the Eiffel Tower, was carried out by a man who was born in France and is French, local media is reporting.
He screamed the Arabic words for "God is great" before he started the random stabbing attack on passersby. He is also claimed to have used a hammer.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on social media: "The police have just courageously arrested an assailant attacking passersby in Paris, around the Quai de Grenelle.
The attacker is said to have used a hammer as he lashed out at passersby
REUTERS
"One deceased person and one injured person treated by the Paris fire brigade. Please avoid the area."
The attacker is said to have been previously known to police for his history of radical Islamism and is said to have psychiatric problems.
According to Darmanin, the assailant told police that he had carried out the assault because he was upset by the situation in Gaza.
A police operation is underway around the Bir-Hakeim metro station.
French police secured the access to the Bir-Hakeim bridge after the attack
REUTERS
Police have locked down the local area in the aftermath of the attack
REUTERS
The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office said it had not yet put in charge of an investigation.
It is thought that the victim who died was a German-Filipino tourist. He died from a stab wound to his back and shoulder.
French newspaper Le Parisien claims that an English tourist was the other victim in the attack.
He was said to be out walking with his wide and child when he was assaulted.
Saturday night's incident in central Paris occurred less than eight months before the French capital hosts the Olympic Games and could raise questions about security at the global sporting event.
Paris plans an unprecedented opening ceremony on the Seine river that may draw as many as 600,000 spectators.