Police officer and gunman killed in Paris shooting

One policeman has been shot dead and two others seriously injured after a gunman opened fire in central Paris.

The suspected attacker was killed by French security forces as he tried to flee.

The shooting occurred at the Champs Elysees, which has now been sealed off.

Interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said: "On the face of it, the officers were deliberately targeted."

A car pulled up alongside a police bus just before 9pm local time and a man got out, opening fire with an automatic weapon, added Mr Brandet.

France goes to the polls on Sunday in the first round of the presidential election. Two of the front runners, Marine Le Pen and François Fillon, have finished their campaigns early as a mark of respect.

A debate between candidates that was taking place at the time of the attack was been cancelled.

US president Donald Trump spoke at the White House earlier, offering his condolences to the French nation and adding "It looks like another terrorist attack and... what can you say? It just never ends".