This morning several men wielding Kalashnikovs walked into the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical magazine, and shot dead ten journalists, also killing two police officers.
The magazine has caused controversy in the past for its depiction of the muslim prophet Muhammed in cartoons, which outraged some. Their offices were firebombed in in 2011 following one such cartoon, to which their response was a further front cover depicting the prophet and the line: 'Love it stronger than hate.'
French President Francois Hollande visited the scene of the murders on Wednesday morning and said there was no doubt this was an act of terrorism. He added that France would not have their free speech threatened, and they ‘will fight these threats and punish the attackers.’
The gunmen are still at large in the French capital this afternoon, with other magazine and newspaper offices, shopping centres, museums and stations all being placed under police protection.
Cartoonist Charb, who was placed on Al-Qaida’s most wanted list in 2013 for his cartoons of prophet Mohammed, is apparently in a critical condition at the time this article was published. His colleague Cabu, also a famous cartoonist, is said to have been killed.
All key members of staff were in the office this morning as it is the magazine's press day.
We will keep you updated on this story as it develops.