Blasts Claim Lives At France-Germany Match

Three people have died after explosions at the Stade de France during the friendly between France and Germany, as attacks around Paris claimed many lives.

Police later confirmed there were three simultaneous bombings, including two suicide attacks. The blasts occurred near two of the stadium entrances and at a nearby McDonald's restaurant.

President Francois Hollande, who was at the game, left immediately as hundreds of anxious fans spilled on to the pitch.

A prosecutor said there had been fatalities, but did not confirm the number. A police union official said three people had died.

Elsewhere in the French capital gunmen shot dead diners at a restaurant and hostages were taken at a concert venue, prompting president Hollande to declare a national state of emergency and close the country's borders.

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet confirmed there was a blast at one of the entrance gates. told French television station Canal+: "There was a bomb explosion at the entrance to Gate J. There have been three deaths and some injured.

"The Stade de France is secure."

The match was allowed to run its course, France winning 2-0, but at the final whistle supporters who remained were asked to congregate on the pitch while the players remained in their changing rooms.

The Football Association has offered its condolences to all affected and says it will liaise with the French Federation over the weekend before deciding whether Tuesday's friendly against France goes ahead at Wembley.

"It is a very serious and tragic matter," an FA spokesman said following England's 2-0 defeat to Spain in Alicante.

"If there is any update on the match on Tuesday we will announce in due course. We will liaise with the French Football Federation over the weekend.

"The FA sends its deep condolences to the victims of this tragic event but to say anything else would be inappropriate."