France has closed its borders as at least 140 people were killed in a series of coordinated attacks across Paris.
At least 40 people died in shootings and bombings at a number of locations around the capital - before another 100 people were killed at a concert venue.
Elite police units launched an assault on the Bataclan theatre, where around 100 people were being held hostage.
Police killed two armed men who had opened fire at the theatre, where Californian band Eagles of Death Metal had been playing a concert.
French President Francois Hollande announced the country's borders were being shut as he declared a state of emergency in response to the attacks.
In a televised address, he said the nation would stand firm and united against the terrorists.
"It's a horror," Mr Hollande said, adding that the military is being deployed around the capital.
The residents of Paris have been asked to stay home and several Metro lines have been closed.
The attacks started with a shooting at a restaurant in the 10th arrondissement - not far from the offices of magazine publisher Charlie Hebdo.
According to local media reports, the gunmen behind that shooting have not been caught.
There are separate reports that a third shooting has taken place at the Central Les Halles shopping mall.
Elsewhere in the capital, several explosions were heard at the Stade de France, where the national football team was playing Germany.
French football officials say one of the explosions was at an entrance to the stadium.
Mr Hollande was inside the stadium at the time, but was rushed to the Interior Ministry to deal with the unfolding crisis.
An Associated Press reporter who was also at the stadium has recounted hearing two explosions that were loud enough to penetrate the sound of cheering fans.
Those at the stadium can be seen rushing onto the pitch after hearing the explosions.
US President Barack Obama has described the attacks as an "outrageous attempt to terrorise civilians" and has promised to do everything he can to bring those responsible to justice.
"Those who think that they can terrorise the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong."
British Prime Minister David Cameron said he is "shocked" by violence.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help," he said on Twitter.
France has been on edge since deadly attacks by Islamic extremists in January on satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo and a kosher grocery that left 20 dead, including the three attackers.
(Sky News)
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