Reports of shooting at Louvre in Paris

A suspected attacker has been shot outside the Louvre in Paris, according to media reports.

A French soldier is said to have opened fire on the suspect outside the art museum – a popular tourist destination.

The BBC says that the soldier is reported to have been attacked with a knife and his assailant seriously injured.

The attacker is said to have been trying to enter the museum, which was evacuated soon after.

He is thought to have been carrying either one or two suitcases. 

A big security operation is now reported to be under way at the Louvre and a nearby shopping centre in the French capital.

French police have said the attacker shouted “Allahu Akbar” – which means ‘God is great’ in Arabic – but was not carrying explosives.

Meanwhile, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its French travel advice.

A spokesman for the FCO said: “There are reports of a security incident in the area around the Louvre museum in Paris; you should exercise caution, avoid the affected area and follow the advice of the local authorities.”