FCO issues advice to Brits in Paris

British tourists in Paris are being urged to follow the advice of the French police and keep movement around the city to a minimum.

Following Friday night’s terror attack, in which 129 people were killed, France has declared a state of emergency and a three-day period of mourning, until November 16.

Security has been tightened at all border control checks around the county and there is a ban on public gatherings, the flying of drones and the use of fireworks in the Ile de France region.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised visitors to France who are considering returning to the UK to contact their travel company for information on availability.

Members of the public who have been directly affected by the incidents in Paris, or who are concerned about family members and friends who may be directly affected can call the Foreign and Commonwealth on 020 7008 0000.

As well as the 129 people confirmed dead, Friday night’s attacks left 99 critically injured.

People were shot dead in bars and restaurants close to Place de la Republique and the Place de la Bastille in the heart of the city, and there were explosions near a football stadium in St Denis, where France was playing a friendly match against Germany.

The deadliest of Friday night’s attacks was at the Bataclan concert hall, where gunmen burst in and opened fire on the audience of a concert by US rock group Eagles of Death Metal.

Nearly 90 people were shot dead at the 1,500-seater venue, which was sold out at the time.

Security forces stormed the hall and all four attackers were dead – three had blown themselves up and a fourth was shot by police.

On Saturday, Paris residents were told to stay indoors and around 1,500 military were deployed across the city. It is the first time a mandatory curfew has been exercised since 1944.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has told British nationals in France to exercise caution in public places and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Flybe is continuing to fly to Paris but is giving passengers due to fly this weekend and Monday and Tuesday the chance to change their flights or get a credit note for future travel.

EasyJet is also allowing passengers to change their flight without charge over the weekend.

"The situation in France is fluid and we will respond to government advice as we get it. Our thoughts are with Parisiens and all affected," it said.

Air France is operating as normal but warned passengers of delays due to tightened security at border controls.

The attacks happened at Bataclan concert venue in the 11th district, Stade de France, St Denis (just north of Paris), Le Carillon and Le Petit Cambodge restaurants in the 10th district and La Belle Equipe and La Casa Nostra restaurant in the 11th district.

Around 80,000 people were watching the match between France and Germany at the stadium, which was being watched on television by millions.

President Hollande, who was also there, was taken to safety after the first of the explosions and held an emergency cabinet meeting.

Britain’s prime minister said he was shocked and pledged to do ‘whatever we can to help’ and US president Barack Obama said it was ‘an outrageous attempt to terrorise innocent civilians’.