Gare du Nord knife rampage leaves ‘at least six injured’ at Paris Eurostar hub before attacker is shot by armed cops

An investigating source said: "He lunged at people indiscriminately before police intervened."

A woman who was heading on holiday and witnessed the mass stabbing told : "People were lying on the ground, and others getting on trains as quickly as possible.

"Someone had a knife out and was attacking people. 

"I looked after the first victim who had been wounded. I got the impression that the knifeman was just attacking anyone close to him. 

"As people were being looked after, I heard shots being fired – the forces of law and order were reacting to the attacker. 

"The whole thing was incredibly shocking. I was so close to the attack, it could have involved anyone."

A Paris police source said six people were wounded "including one extremely seriously".

He said the knifeman was also fighting for his life in a secure Paris hospital.

The motive of the attack remains unclear.

The area is cordoned off and emergency services are on the scene.

The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin tweeted about the incident and praised the police for their quick response.

He said: "An individual has injured several people this morning in Gare du Nord.

"He was quickly neutralised. Thanks to security forces for their effective and courageous reaction."

Traffic around the station is disrupted but the station is now operating as usual.

Rail network TER Hauts-de-France said in a statement: "Traffic is disrupted on departure and arrival from Paris Nord. 

"The police have opened fire against a threatening person who is said to have injured customers in Gare du Nord.

"The person was brought under control, the emergency services intervened and the person evacuated. 

"A security perimeter has been established but the station continues to operate normally."

An investigation has been opened by the Paris prosecutor's office. 

The stabbing comes just weeks after a racist gunman killed three people in a horrific mass shooting near Gare du Nore.

Darmanin said that the shooting suspect identified as 69-year-old retired train driver William M. "obviously wanted to target foreigners".

The attack sparked violence on Paris' streets with riot cops firing tear gas at crowds.

All three victims, a woman and two men were reportedly Kurdish activists.