Paris attack: French envoy thanks India for messages of solidarity and friendship

Condemning the dastardly terrorist attacks in Paris, French Ambassador to India, François Richier, on Saturday thanked India for its messages of solidarity and friendship in this hour of grief.

"Paris and its vicinity were struck by several terrorist attacks of an unprecedented scale. The number of casualties is not yet confirmed, but more than 120 innocent people were brutally murdered and 200 injured," the French envoy said in a statement.

"France is grateful to the Hon'ble President of India and the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India for their messages of solidarity and friendship," he added.

He said that no Indians have been identified among the causalities of the attacks.

"A state of emergency has been declared last night across metropolitan France. Security services have been deployed in numbers to ensure the neutralization of terrorists and the safety of all. Reinforced measures are being implemented throughout the Paris region," he said.

"Border checks have been restored with immediate effect. A Defense Council meeting took place at 9:00 am, French local time (13:30 Delhi time). President Hollande has declared a 3-day national mourning," he added.

The deadly attack reportedly began in the French capital at a soccer stadium where a match was underway as explosions set off. Simultaneously, terrorists armed with AK-47s and bombs began attacking in different sites throughout the city.

A bloodbath was reported from the Bataclan concert hall where around 100 people were killed as terrorists opened fire for 15 minutes and even shot hostages at point blank range.

Including the massacre at the concert, around 120 people have reportedly been killed in different sites in the attacks.

According to reports, the attack sites are Bataclan concert venue, Le Carillon, Le Petit Cambodge, 20 rue Alibert, La Belle Equipe, Near Stade de France. Reports of gunfire were reported at least from one other site.