Some 100 people were killed during a raid by French security forces on a Paris concert hall on Friday. The Bataclan theatre was filled with hostages at the time of the assault. Two attackers were also killed. The hostage taking was one in a series of at least six attacks across the French capital with a total death toll of more than 140.
One official described the scene inside the building as "carnage," noting the attackers had tossed explosives at the hostages as well as opening fire on them. The official said he expected the toll of victims to rise.
Top government officials, including Francois Hollande, travelled to the concert hall where the hostages had been killed. Speaking from the Bataclan after police had secured the venue, the French president said: "We will wage combat. It will be ruthless. France needs to be unified, even if today it is in mourning in the wake of this tragedy that is an abomination and barbaric."
Earlier, France declared a state of emergency, sealing its border after what appeared to be a series of coordinated attacks across the capital. The Stade de France stadium and a cafe were also witnessed fatalities. Fans sang the French national anthem as they exited the stadium.
After reports of explosions and gunfire at the concert hall, security forces raided the venue, which was hosting American rock band Eagles of Death Metal. People were shown on French TV evacuating the building.
Speaking to France24, a witness said: "I didn't realise what was going on. We were listening to the music, then all of a sudden we heard gunshots -- they were quite high pitched. At first I thought it was a joke. I didn't actually believe. But the shots kept going and going and going, and people started screaming and ducking behind the seats. That was when I realised I had to get out."
SEE ALSO:
- 100 Dead At Bataclan, Scene Described As 'Carnage'
- Politicians Across The Globe React To Deadly Attacks In Paris
- Obama: Paris Attacks Are 'Attack On All Of Humanity'
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- Hollande Orders Borders Closed, Paris Under Mandatory Curfew
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- Messages Of Support And Solidarity For Paris
Paris attacks: Bataclan theatre scene
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Police officers carry out investigastions behind a cordoned off area at the Bataclan theatre in the 11th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, the day after a series of six attacks on the city resulted in the deaths of over 128 people and 200 other injured. More than a hundred people were gunned down at the Bataclan theatre in Paris during a concert by the US band Eagles of Death Metal. AFP PHOTO/JACQUES DEMARTHON (Photo credit should read JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JACQUES DEMARTHON via Getty Images)
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An unnamed man brings his portable grand piano and plays John Lennon's Imagine by the Bataclan, Paris, one of the venues for the attacks in the French capital which are feared to have killed around 120 people. (credit:John Walton/PA Wire)
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The press core is set-up close to the Bataclan theatre in the 11th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, the day after a series of six attacks on the city resulted in the deaths of over 128 people and 200 other injured. More than a hundred people were gunned down at the Bataclan theatre in Paris during a concert by the US band Eagles of Death Metal. AFP PHOTO / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD (Photo credit should read KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KENZO TRIBOUILLARD via Getty Images)
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Police officers stand by the secured and cordoned off crime scene of the Bataclan concert hall on November 14, 2015 following the deadly attacks in Paris a day before. The string of coordinated attacks in and around Paris late November 13, 2015 left more than 120 people dead, in the worst such violence in France's history. AFP PHOTO/JACQUES DEMARTHON (Photo credit should read JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JACQUES DEMARTHON via Getty Images)
Significant Death Toll Feared In Paris Terror Attacks(05 of36)
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 14: Flowers and candles are left on the pavement near the scene of yesterday's Bataclan Theatre terrorist attack on November 14, 2015 in Paris, France. At least 120 people have been killed and over 200 injured, 80 of which seriously, following a series of terrorist attacks in the French capital. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
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Investigating police officers inspect the lifeless body of a victim of a shooting attack outside the Bataclan concert hall in Paris, France, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. Well over 100 people were killed in Paris on Friday night in a series of shooting, explosions. French President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency and announced that he was closing the country's borders. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Belongings of victims lay on the pavement outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said at least 127 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Attacks(08 of36)
A note reads "To all my friends i knew and others i did not knew, for life" on a flower next to the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande vowed to attack Islamic State without mercy as the jihadist group admitted responsibility Saturday for orchestrating the deadliest attacks inflicted on France since World War II. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Attacks(09 of36)
A woman reacts outside the Bataclan theater in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. rench President Francois Hollande vowed to attack the Islamic State group without mercy as the jihadist group claimed responsibility Saturday for orchestrating the deadliest attacks on France since World War II. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Attacks(10 of36)
A man lights up a candle outside the Bataclan theater in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. rench President Francois Hollande vowed to attack the Islamic State group without mercy as the jihadist group claimed responsibility Saturday for orchestrating the deadliest attacks on France since World War II. Poster at right reads Long Live France, at left: The French fight those who steal life. Terrorists, be aware. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Shootings(11 of36)
People rest on a bench after being evacuated from the Bataclan theater after a shooting in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. A series of attacks targeting young concert-goers, soccer fans and Parisians enjoying a Friday night out at popular nightspots killed over 100 people in the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Attacks(12 of36)
Flowers are placed outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Attacks(13 of36)
A woman places a candle outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
APTOPIX France Paris Attacks(14 of36)
A watch lays on the ground outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Attacks(15 of36)
Investigators work outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Attacks(16 of36)
An investigator works outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Attacks(17 of36)
Investigators and police work outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
France Paris Attacks(18 of36)
Policemen block access to the Bataclan concert hall, center, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Rescuers workers evacuate a man on a stretcher near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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A riot police officer walks by an ambulance near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Journalists take cover near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
Many Dead After Multiple Shootings In Paris(22 of36)
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
Many Dead After Multiple Shootings In Paris(25 of36)
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
Many Dead After Multiple Shootings In Paris(26 of36)
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
Many Dead After Multiple Shootings In Paris(27 of36)
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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Rescue workers evacuate a woman near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
Many Dead After Multiple Shootings In Paris(29 of36)
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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A riot police officer stands by an ambulance near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Rescue workers evacuate an injured person near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Rescue workers evacuate a woman near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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A riot police officer stands by an ambulance near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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People take cover and photos near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Rescuers workers evacuate a man on a stretcher near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Rescuers workers evacuate a man on a stretcher near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)