Paris Kosher Grocery Store Attacked, Several Hostages Held

‘Up to six’ people held hostage at kosher grocery store in Paris, The suspect was said to be armed with two guns, and several people were believed to be wounded in the attack in the eastern part of the French capital.

There are unconfirmed reports from French media outlets claimed that the man had taken several hostages – some adding there were all women and children – and was refusing to release them until the Kouachi brothers were allowed to flee the police siege further north.

The man, who it appears may be the same individual who attacked and killed a French policewoman yesterday, is believed to be armed with a Kalashnikov.

He is said to have told police officers at Rue Albert Willemetz, a side street off the main Porte de Vincennes boulevard: “You know who I am.”

Police have evacuated everyone from the area, Le Monde reports. Local people said they had heard prolonged gunfire.

Heavily armed police units cordoned off surrounding streets around the incident unfolding at Hyper Cacher (roughly translated as Super Kosher) grocery store, The Independent’s John Lichfield reported.

Paris’ Mayor Anne Hidalgo wrote on Twitter: “I have learned with horror of the hostage situation that has begun at the Porte de Vincennes, and I am going to the scene immediately.”

Images have started to emerge of the apparent situation.

Face à #hypercasher à #saintmande pic.twitter.com/iYYr3NxanO

— david_dlr (@daviddlr) January 9, 2015

Agencies/Canadajournal