UN chief Ban Ki-moon slams terrorist attacks in Paris

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday condemned "the despicable terrorist attacks carried out today in various locations in and around Paris," and demanded "the immediate release of the numerous individuals reportedly being held hostage in the Bataclan theatre."

"The secretary-general trusts that the French authorities will do all in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice quickly," Xinhua quoted a statement as saying.

"The secretary-general extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. He stands with the government and people of France," the statement added.

More than 100 people are reportedly killed in a series of what appears to be coordinated attacks across Paris late Friday, including at the popular Bataclan concert hall.