Paris police shoot attacker outside of Notre Dame

Police in France have confirmed they have shot and injured a man who attempted to attack an officer outside of the Notre Dame cathedral.

People are currently being asked to stay away from the world-famous attraction in Paris.

A number of people are trapped inside while authorities make the area safe.

Reuters news agency quotes one source as saying an officer was lightly wounded and the assailant has been shot in the thorax.

France is in a state of emergency, and has been since attacks by jihadists in Paris left 130 dead in 2015.

This incident comes just three days after extremists used a van and knives in an attack in London which left seven dead.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS STORY THE ARTICLE WILL BE UPDATED WHEN MORE DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE