A police operation is under way on the Champs Elysees in Paris and an ‘attacker has been downed’

Counter-terror investigation under way

Police in Paris have cordoned off the Champs Elysees as a car is on fire and police have said the “attacker has been downed” after he drove into a police car.

Dramatic pictures and videos on social media shows a huge police presence and an operation is under way.

Large explosion and shots fired on Champs Elysee #Paris looks like on person on ground.. everyone told to run.. pic.twitter.com/NTXVDgYS8J

— Andrew Hawley (@aelhawley) June 19, 2017

The national police said on Twitter account said that there was an “ongoing police operation”, warning people to respect the security cordon.

French media has quoted police sources saying the car deliberately drove into the police car.

[#ChampsElysees] Opération de police en cours. Respectez le périmètre de sécurité et les consignes des forces de l’ordre. pic.twitter.com/kQOkgaRjYn

— Police Nationale (@PoliceNationale) June 19, 2017

A French prosecutor has confirmed a terrorist investigation is now under way by Paris’s counter terrorism command unit.  

The suspect was shot dead and bomb disposal were called to the scene, the car contained weapons and gas canisters.

In April, a policeman was shot dead on the Champs Elysees a few days prior to the presidential elections.