It has now been reported that 127 people have died after simultaneous attacks in the city yesterday, which included shootings and explosions.

Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, has described the acts as "barbaric and cowardly" and ordered the Olympic flag to be flown at half-mast.

The attacks included three explosions at the Stade de France, which is the planned centrepiece of Paris' bid to be 2024's host city.

Three blasts were heard inside the stadium - while France's men's football team were playing a friendly against Germany - after suicide bombers detonated devices near the venue, including one at a McDonald's restaurant.

French President François Hollande was among those watching the game and was removed from the stadium, while three attackers have been reported dead.

It has been claimed that one bomber had a ticket to the game and attempted to enter the stadium before setting off his device outside.

"Paris 2024 is today in mourning for all those killed in the appalling events of last night," said a short statement released by the city's bid team.

"Our thoughts are with their loved ones and with those wounded in these horrific, unforgivable attacks.

"We share the shock and profound sadness which has been expressed by so many people around the world and as Parisians we stand in solidarity with the people of Paris and of France in uniting against these acts of terror.

"The historic values of our city and our country matter more than ever and they are the basis of our resolve and determination in the face of such terrible tragedy."

Bach said the attacks were not just against Paris and France, but "humanity and all humanitarian and Olympic values".

"These attacks are deeply shocking," he said.

"The IOC condemns these barbaric and cowardly acts.

"We stand united with all people from all around the globe.

"Our thoughts are of course with all the families and friends of those who have been killed or wounded.

"We support also the outstanding work of so many men and women in the medical and security fields who are assisting the population in these very difficult moments.

"In these dark times, we should remember the unifying power of sport to unite people and communities and to bring peace and reconciliation.

"Today all people of goodwill will say 'we are all French'.

"Today I have sent a letter of condolence and support to President Hollande and I have ordered that the Olympic flag be put at half-mast to remember this tragedy."

More than 80 were reportedly killed following a siege at the Bataclan concert hall and there were shootings at the Le Carillon bar, Le Petit Cambodge restaurant and the La Casa Nostra pizzeria.

The militant group Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the atrocities, which Hollande has declared to be an "act of war".

At the Stade de France, which was built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup and is due to host the final of the European Football Championships in France next summer, thousands of fans spilled onto the pitch at the final whistle of the match, which ended 2-0 to the hosts.

The German team spent the night at the stadium, while French midfielder Lassana Diarra, who was playing in the match, has confirmed that his cousin was among those killed.

Sport in the Paris area and across France has been cancelled this weekend, including four football matches in the Coupe de France and the capital's rugby side Racing Metro's European Champions Cup clash with Glasgow Warriors.

Other European rugby matches which have been postponed in France include Oyonnax v Ulster, Pau v Castres Olympique, Bordeaux-Begles v ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon v Bath.

The Paris Taekwondo Open has also been called off, along with two men's volleyball matches in Ligue A and four women's first division games.

A handball match in Division One has also been cancelled, and the International Skating Union has confirmed that the Trophee Eric Bompard 2015, a Grand Prix event, will not take place as planned in the southern city of Bordeaux.

The Minister of Interior Affairs of France, Bernard Cazeneuve, and the Mayor of Bordeaux, Alain Juppe, have informed the French Figure Skating Federation (FFSG) that the competition at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event ”Trophee Eric Bompard 2015” in Bordeaux has to be cancelled due to the state of emergency and national mourning days in France.

France's football friendly with England, scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium in London on Tuesday, will go ahead as planned after discussions on whether to postpone.

The country has closed its borders and announced a national state of emergency.



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