Armed robbery, shooting at Paris' second largest airport

A man was shot dead today at Orly Airport in Paris, France, after snatching a gun from a soldier on patrol duty.

Armed police at the scene. Photo: Sky News

Part of Orly airport was evacuated after witnesses reported hearing gunshots, according to the BBC. Orly is the second largest airport in Paris, located about 13km south of the French capital.

According to information from the French Interior Ministry, the man ran into a store after robbing the gun and was shot dead there.

Authorities are investigating whether the man acted alone or with others. Bomb disposal experts have been deployed to the scene. Police have advised people to stay away from security barriers.

French Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux is on his way to the scene. Authorities described the incident as extremely serious. Flights to and from Orly airport were suspended.

"We were waiting in line to check in for the flight to Tel Aviv when we heard three or four gunshots," said witness Franck Lecam. "We were all outside the airport, about 200 meters from the entrance. There were a lot of police, emergency responders and soldiers coming from all directions. A security officer told us that the incident happened near gates 37-38 where Turkish Airlines planes were preparing to take off."

Meanwhile, a police officer was also shot and seriously injured on the same day while checking vehicles in a northern suburb of Paris. The suspect fled. Police have not been able to confirm whether the two incidents are related.

According to VNE