Chaos in Paris as hundreds flee after mistaking fireworks for gunfire at vigil
HUNDREDS of terrified mourners rushed to flee a Paris terror attack vigil after they mistakenly believed shots were being fired.
Police stormed the scene believing someone was armed as onlookers fled
Police entered with drawn guns as crowds ran away the French capital’s Republique plaza which was filled with people.
It has since been revealed as a false alarm and with the noise being from firecrackers let off.
It comes days after the Paris terror attacks which left 129 people dead.
One suspect linked to the attack is still at large.
People seen running in Place de La Republique
Police in Paris ran at the crowd with guns after the scare
The noise was later revealed to be firecrackers
Two French law enforcement officials say a collective panic in several Paris neighborhoods, including Plaza de Republique, was a false alarm.
One of the officials said the crowd in the plaza apparently panicked after hearing firecrackers.
A French security official said someone had reached out to police in the plaza out of panic, and when officers arrived with weapons drawn, the crowd dispersed in fear.
Panic as people run away after they thought they heard gunfire
The official called it a moment of collective panic. The official had no information of any threats to the area.
Both officials weren't authorised to be publicly named according to government policy.
Close by, panic broke out near a small Cambodian restaurant and a bar that were the scenes of shooting on Friday night and police were seen running with guns drawn.