Here is what we know about the raid in St-Denis from the last hour.
French prosecutors confirm:
- A woman, who blew herself up, was killed in the raid.
- Three men, whose identities are unknown, have been arrested inside the apartment
- A man and a woman have been arrested in the “immediate vicinity” of the apartment
Here is what is also known:
- The apartment which is the focus of the raid is on a small street, Rue du Corbillon
- Heavy shooting, including automatic gunfire, and explosions began at about 4.30am.
- The raid took place about 2km from the Stade de France, one of the targets of Friday’s attacks.
- At least seven explosions were heard during the raid by local residents
- By 7.30am the area was quiet, but still with a heavy police presence
- Roads have been closed off, with large numbers of police officers and police vehicles in the area. Military reinforcements have also been patrolling the area.
- Residents have been told to stay in their homes and away from windows. Some have been moved to a temporary shelter in the town hall.
- Transport to St-Denis has been suspended and schools will not open on Wednesday.
What is reported but still unconfirmed
- Police sources told French media and AFP the targets of the raid were alleged to be the suspected mastermind of the Paris attacks, Abdel-Hamid Abu Oud; as well as Salah Abdeslam and another suspect thought to be a ninth attacker directly involved in Friday’s mass killings.
- There is no evidence yet that these suspects are among the arrests or even in the apartment.