A MAN armed with a knife has been shot after threatening a police officer near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The incident happened on the famous Champs-Élysées avenue earlier this evening, forcing the closure of surrounding Metro stations as well as a security cordon being set up.
It is understood that the assailant attempted to stab an officer during the rekindling of the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which takes place every week at 6pm, Le Figaro reported.
A second officer, present at the scene, returned fire, shooting four times, three of which hit the man in the torso and leg.
The man is understood to be fighting for his life and in critical condition, according to Le Parisien.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said: “A man attempted to attack members of the gendarmerie with a knife, including members of the gendarmerie band who were preparing for the ceremony.
“This individual attempted to take the life of a gendarme.”
The suspect‘s motives and identity are still unknown.
The French anti-terrorist department has confirmed the incident and said it has opened up an inquiry.
No other injuries were reported, and the investigation is now ongoing.
