Prosecutor’s office: 8 extremists dead after Paris attacks

Prosecutor’s office: 8 extremists dead after Paris attacks, 7 of them in suicide bombings
PARIS — Prosecutor’s office: 8 extremists dead after Paris attacks, 7 of them in suicide bombings

100 Killed In Paris Concert Hall 'Carnage'

At least 100 people have been killed inside the Bataclan concert hall where attackers seized hostages, police officials say.

Elite police commandos launched a dramatic assault on the venue - but were unable to save some of the hostages.

Two attackers blew themselves up with suicide belts as police closed in, police prefect Michel Cadot said.

A third attacker was killed by security forces during the raid, the prosecutor's office said.

One official described "carnage" inside the building, saying the attackers had tossed explosives at the hostages
Witnesses outside the venue in the 11th arrondissement reported hearing five successive explosions followed by gunshots during the police assault.

The attackers stormed the concert hall on Friday evening after first spraying cafes outside the venue with machine gunfire, police said
President Francois Hollande and other top government officials have arrived at the scene.

After visiting a security command centre near the Bataclan, Mr Hollande called the attacks "abomination" and "barbarism".

He appealed to his nation to remain united, saying: "We will lead the fight. We will be merciless."

He thanked all the emergency workers who offered to help throughout the long, emotional night
According to reports, hundreds of survivors have been taken away in buses.

A French reporter said around 1,200 were inside the venue and some of those managed to survive by hiding in the upper tiers
Earlier, UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon demanded "the immediate release" of the hostages in the theatre, where US band Eagles Of Death Metal was scheduled to perform to a sell-out crowd.

In a Facebook post, the management for the band said: "We are still currently trying to determine the safety and whereabouts of all our band and crew.

"Our thoughts are with all of the people involved in this tragic situation."

U2 have postponed a concert in Paris on Saturday night in the light of the attacks, saying they were "devastated by the loss of life" and will reschedule their performance "at an appropriate time
The hostage-taking was one in a series of six attacks across the French capital in what Mr Hollande has described as "unprecedented terrorist attacks".

The prosecutor's office said eight attackers are dead, seven of them in suicide bombings - and it is possible that there are terrorists still at large.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, although jihadists on Twitter have praised them and criticised France's military operations against Islamic State extremists.

:: The Foreign Office says those concerned about British nationals caught up in the attacks should call 020 70081500.

:: Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs says anyone concerned about Irish nationals caught up in the attacks should call 00 3531 408 2000.

Social Media
Peace for Paris image resonates across social media
simple drawing that overlays the Eiffel Tower with a peace symbol was widely shared on social media early Saturday, as people following the deadly Paris attacks sought to show their sympathy with the victims.

A tweet of the image by Jean_Jullien, the name of a French graphic designer based in London, was retweeted 20,000 times. News outlets, artists, and widely followed organizations such as Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In shared the image.

The Jean_Jullien Twitter account took credit for the drawing.

According to Jullien's website, the illustrator has done work for The New Yorker and Warby Parker, among others.

"Even though my craft is graphic arts and illustration, in general I tend to focus on ideas more," he said in an interview posted on his Website.

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Responsibility for attack unclear
series of attacks have rocked central Paris, where more than 150 have been killed, hundreds injured, many seriously.
Update: 5.49pm:
Prime Minister John Key says his wife Bronagh has been in touch with their daughter Stephie who lives in Paris where she works as an artist.
"She is home safe and sound," Mr Key says.
"Like any parent with a loved one in Paris, it is a worrying concern, but we are hugely relieved she is safe."
He says New Zealanders are encouraged to contact their families, and that he "condemns this heinous act of terrorism."
Update: 5.44pm:
Eight extremists are dead, seven of them in suicide bombings, says France's prosecution office, The Associated Press reports.
Update: 5.18pm:
Speaking to ONE News, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English says we must be "ready for random acts of terrorism" and must be sure our security systems are well equipped.
249 Kiwis are registered in France and are urged to contact their loved ones to let them know they're safe.
Update: 5pm:
Emma Olgivie, a New Zealander living in Paris, says a change of mind could've saved her life
Update: 4.30pm:
Auckland's Sky Tower will be lit up red, white and blue tonight and tomorrow night for Paris following in the footsteps of the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building in New York City and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
Update: 3.50pm:
The Head of Paris police says all attackers are believed to be dead, The Associated Press reports.
Update 3.12pm:
ISIS supporters have applauded the attack but it remains unclear who is responsible
US President Barack Obama says France is the country's oldest ally and would be willing to assist the country when called upon.
Update 3pm:
Commercial Director for House of Travel Brent Thomas has advised any Kiwis travelling to France to consider changing their travel plans.

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