Mass killings shock France

A state of emergency has been declared in France and the country's borders have been closed following the killing at least 153 persons in multiple shootings around the country last night.

Paris, usually associated with the picturesque sites such as the Eiffel Tower, is now sullied by images widespread explosions, gunfire and carnage. Authorities in Paris have urged persons to stay indoors as military personnel are deployed across the locale.

suicide blast

According to BBC News, at least 100 people are reported to have been killed at the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris. Gunmen took many hostages there before being overpowered when police stormed the building.

Three persons were also killed in an attack near the Stade de France, with some reports suggesting that it was a suicide blast. It is reported that the series of attacks occurred across seven sites in central Paris, including several restaurants where a number of persons were also killed.

As the death toll increased last night, French President, Francois Hollande, told reporters: "A terrible, terrible event is upon us."

The reason for yesterday's attacks remain unclear and there is still uncertainty about who might be behind the murders.