A French soldier has opened fire after being attacked in central Paris, local media reports.
The incident took place in the Carousel du Louvre, a commercial underground shopping centre near the entrance to the Louvre, which is one of the world’s most-visited museums.
One man, who is believed to have been carrying out a knife attack, is understood to have been seriously injured after the soldier fired five shots at his stomach and legs.
Bomb disposal experts are at the scene but no explosives were found in the assailant’s bag.
France’s interior ministry said on Twitter that a serious security incident was under way at the popular attraction.
They wrote: “Grave public security event under way in Paris in the Louvre quarter, priority (given) to the intervention of security forces and emergency personnel.”
The Rue de Rivoli running alongside the museum was closed to traffic while trains were being pushed through the Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre metro station without stopping.
A spokewoman for the Louvre said the museum was “closed for the moment” but would not confirm reports it had been evacuated.
More to follow.
VIDEO: French soldier ‘open fires’ at man in central Paris