Paris: Concert hall attackers blow themselves up as commandos close in

More than 80 people have been killed inside the Bataclan concert hall where attackers seized hostages. Elite police commandos launched a dramatic assault on the venue - but were unable to save some of the hostages. Two attackers blew themselves up with suicide belts as police closed in, a third was killed by security forces during the raid. One official described “carnage” inside the building, saying the attackers had tossed explosives at the hostages.

Many of them were covered with blood, people were screaming

A witness describes survivors emerging from the venue

More than 1,000 people were at the musical hall to see Californian band Eagles Of Death Metal perform to a sell-out crowd. The attackers stormed the building after first spraying cafes outside the venue with machine gunfire. Witnesses inside said they heard the attackers shout Islamic chants and slogans condemning France’s role in Syria. Outside the venue in the 11th arrondissement, five successive explosions followed by gunshots were heard during the police assault. According to reports, hundreds of survivors have been taken away in buses. Some of those reportedly survived by hiding in the upper tiers of the venue.

We are just holding our breath and saying prayers for everyone. He called to say that he loved me and he was safe. Everyone on stage was able to get off.

Eagles of Death Metal drummer Julian Orio’s wife, Emily

World bataclan