Paris attacks: Several killed and hostages taken in multiple incidents

Shots were fired at a restaurant in the French capital and there was an explosion near the national stadium, according to reports.

It has also been reported that 60 people have been taken hostage at the Bataclan Concert Hall.

The Associated Press reported that at least 26 people had been killed in the incidents.

AP said fatalities had been reported following a "shootout" at a restaurant, believed to be near the Place de la Republique, and that ambulances were at the scene.

In a separate incident explosions were heard from within the Stade de France, about five or six miles from the city centre, where France were playing Germany in an international football friendly.

Police officials confirmed the two incidents to the Associated Press.

Eyewitness Ben Grant said he was in a bar with his wife when the gunshots were fired and he had seen six or seven bodies on the ground.

He told the BBC: "I was told people in cars had opened fire on the bar.

"There are lots of dead people. It's pretty horrific to be honest.

"I was at the back of the bar. I couldn't see anything.

"I heard gunshots. People dropped to the ground. We put a table over our heads to protect us.

"We were held up in the bar because there was a pile of bodies in front of us."