Police are hunting the suspect and his vehicle. The incident has unfolded in the peak time for Britons taking summer holidays to Europe.
Paris remains largely popular with British tourists but the city has been a hotbed of terrorist activity this year.
On Saturday a man tried to storm the Eiffel Tower with a knife while shouting “Allah Akbar” (God is greatest).
In June a man was shot by police after he attacked an officer with a hammer at the Notre-Dame.
In April a policeman was shot dead by a man on the Champs-Elysées, who was later shot dead himself.
In February a man attacked a security officer with a machete at the Louvre.
Is it safe to be in Paris?
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCO) has yet to update its travel advice in the wake of today’s attack.
But the FCO warns tourists about a ‘very likely’ threat of terror in France.
It said: “Due to ongoing threats to France by Islamist terrorist groups, and recent French military intervention against Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), the French government has warned the public to be especially vigilant and has reinforced its security measures.
“You should be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities.”
What is the threat of terrorism against British tourists abroad?
It’s worth noting the threat of terrorism here in the UK is listed as severe.
The FCO warned: “There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.”
Of the 17 million British nationals who visit France each year, most have a trouble-free stay.
Are flights and trains to Paris running?
Flights and Eurostar services are unaffected by the Paris attack.
easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair and Flybe are all running a normal schedule.
