Paris knife attack: One killed and others injured after man attacks bystanders in French capital

At least one person was killed after a man attacked bystanders in the heart of Paris.

The assailant, armed with a knife, killed one person and injured several more the attack on Saturday night, French authorities said.

The attacker also died after being shot dead and "neutralised", a source said.

Paris police tweeted that the attack occurred Saturday evening in the 2nd district of the French capital.

Police said the person armed with the knife targeted five people, killing one and seriously injuring two.

Witnesses described scenes of panic in the city, as bystanders attempted to hide in restaurants and cafes.

France24 said police attempted to taser the attacker - but then resorted to firing two shots.

The identity of the attack suspect and a possible motive for the attack have not been revealed.

The French government has denounced the "odious" attack and the security minister praised the "cool response" of police.