French police investigate as man says 'attack is IMMINENT' at church
FRENCH police are investigating a terror scare around a church in Normandy, France after a man said that an attack was "imminent" sparking lockdown in the small town of Elbeuf.
Police scrambled to the scene this morning
Police rushed to the scene around Elbeuf Church this morning, while traders have closed shops in the area and schools were closed in response to the terror threat.
A woman was reportedly approached by a man from North Africa at 9:30am claiming an attack was imminent and the police issued a terror alert.
According to French reports, the police evacuated the church.
Police are searching for any suspect packages as they investigate the report.
I had the scare of my life today
People took to Twitter following the news with many people falsely saying they believed there were hostages in the church.
Maria Mariadly tweeted: "Now Elbeuf, I am scared."
Others spoke of panic.
Speaking of Elbeuf, one Twitter user said: "The atmosphere is cold."
Miiss Jenny wrote on Twitter: "I had the scare of my life today, luckily it was a false alarm #Elbeuf."
Police have rushed to the scene
#Elbeuf sur place en direct. pic.twitter.com/VqwesSp6s5
— SD POLICE MUNICIPALE (@SDPM_MICHEL) September 29, 2016
The local council said in a statement: “Following the testimony of a parishioner who has approached the police, reports of suspicious behaviour of a person entering the church Immaculate Conception Elbeuf, investigations are ongoing.
"A safety device has been deployed.”
Shoppers in Carrefour Supermarket were locked inside as police feared the worse.
Hollande vows war on IS group after France church attack
Police are searching for any suspect activity
The incident happened in Normandy
Authorities have said that investigations are taking place and there are no hostages.
France is on high terror alert following a string of attacks this year.
Fin d'alerte à #Elbeuf - périmètre en vigueur pour investigations.
— SD POLICE MUNICIPALE (@SDPM_MICHEL) September 29, 2016
Since calling the terror alert, the police have since said that it is the end of the alert after they checked the church and it has been deemed to be safe.
However, the police have said that they are still investigating the area.