‘Knifeman’ shot lifeless at Arc de Triomphe in Paris by armed police after ‘attempting to assault officer’

A man armed with a knife has been shot dead at Arc de Triomphe in Paris after attempting to attack a police officer. 

It is believed the individual tried to launch an assault on an officer near the famed Parisienne monument. 

The incident is said to have transpired during a rekindling of the flame at the Tomb of the Uknown Solider, which happens weekly at 6pm, Le Figaro reported.

A second officer, who was also at the scene, opened fire and shot four times, with three striking the man in the leg and the torso. 

The man is understood to be hospitalised and in critical condition, Le Parisien reported. The suspect’s identity as well as his motives remain unclear. 

The French anti-terrorist department added it was aware of the situation and had opened an inquiry into the incident. 

French police cordon off a street in Paris on February 13, following an incident involving a man armed with a knife

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.