The threat level is the highest of a three-tier system and means “exceptional measures are in place to prevent any imminent risk of attack”, according to BNO News. It was raised by the French interior minister after a gunman opened fire at Strasbourg Christmas market. Interior minister Christophe Castaner told reporters early on Wednesday morning the national terror level had been raised from “Heightened Security” to “Attack Emergency” – the highest level.
The government’s official website says an Attack Emergency, or Urgence Attentat in French, can be declared in the event of an imminent threat of a terrorist act or directly after an attack.
The decision came just hours after a suspected terrorist opened fire near the famous Strasbourg Christmas market – where millions of tourists travel every year.
The suspect was known to security services and is believed to be at large as police attempt to track him down.
The shooting happened near one of Strasbourg’s central squares, Place Kléber.
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There were a total of three fatalities from the attack, with France’s counterterrorism prosecutor opening an investigation.
Speaking at an early morning press conference, Mr Castaner said border controls had been strengthened, with 350 security agents in pursuit of the assailant.
There are six victims with “serious” injuries after the attack, while six others sustained “light” injuries, police said.
The 29-year-old suspect – a Strasbourg native – was already known to the security services as a potential terrorist.
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The French President Emmanuel Macron – who is facing a plague of political turmoil domestically – said he stood in “solidarity” with the French city.
After attending a crisis meeting with his top team, Mr Macron tweeted the “solidarity of the entire nation” was with the people of Strasbourg after the brutal attack.
The shooting unfolded at roughly 8.00pm local time (7.00pm GMT) close to the popular Christmas market in Strasbourg.
An eyewitness told the BBC he found a person who had been shot lying on a bridge.
Despite his best efforts the witness was not able to resuscitate the man, who later died.
The witness said: “There are no ambulance services able to enter the area.
“After 45 minutes we stopped the resuscitation attempt, because a doctor told us on the phone that it was senseless.”