Police had advised people to “avoid the area” after crowds panicked on Rue Rambuteau. They have now given the all-clear, assuring the public that “there is no danger”.
Pierre-Henry Brandet, an interior ministry spokesman, said the alert had been triggered by “a phone call reporting that hostages had been taken at the Saint-Leu church” near the Halles shopping centre.
“We can’t take even the smallest risk,” Mr Brandet said.
Patrice Latron, a senior security official, said at least three calls were made and an investigation would be launched "to determine who was behind the phone calls and what they saw".
He said it was not known if they were hoax calls. About 100 police officers were deployed, he said.
More about:
