One person killed, suspect dead in Paris attack

French authorities say a knife-wielding assailant killed one person and injured four in the centre of Paris before being killed by police late yesterday evening.

Paris police tweeted that the attack occurred in the 2nd arrondissement or district of the French capital.

Police said the person armed with the knife targeted five people, killing one and seriously injuring two and lightly injuring the other two.

Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said the alleged attacker was "neutralised" by police and praised officers for their actions.

The identity of the attack suspect and reason for the attack were unclear up to press time.

Paris has been under higher security in recent years after a string of deadly Islamic extremist attacks.