Two people have been killed and another 11 wounded after a shooting in Strasbourg, eastern France, the BBC reports.
Seven of those injured are said to be in a serious condition.
Urging residents to stay indoors, the French Interior Ministry confirmed a 'serious public security incident' in the city.
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The shooting is believed to have taken place near a Christmas market in Place Kleber, one of Strasbourg's central squares.
According to police, the gunman - who police have identified - is still at large but is being actively searched for after being injured in an exchange with a soldier.
The motive for the attack has not yet been confirmed, but the gunman is known to security services as a possible terrorist threat.
Strasbourg deputy mayor Alain Fontanel tweeted: "Shooting in downtown Strasbourg. Thank you all for staying home while waiting for a clarification of the situation."
A shopkeeper also told BFM TV: "There were gun shots and people running everywhere. It lasted about 10 minutes."
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EU lawmaker Nikos Androulakis also told Bloomberg via phone: "The shooting happened in front of us. As I was leaving the cafe, I've heard shootings, police took us inside, and we are now in lockdown with lights off. They told us the perpetrators are still at large. There are families, small children in here."
Reports say security officials have cordoned off the area, and trams have stopped running, while the European Parliament - which has a base in Strasbourg - was also sealed off, with no-one able to enter or leave the building.
Emmanuel Foulon, press officer for the European Parliament, tweeted to say that there had been 'panic' in the streets of Strasbourg following 'sounds of gunfire'. In a later update he told followers he was 'hidden' and 'fine', adding: "I hope it's not too bad for those still on the street."
British MEP also tweeted to say he was in a restaurant in the city, where he mentioned 'unconfirmed reports of three dead'.
More to follow.
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