A manhunt is under way in Paris after two separate shootings, including one at a newspaper that left a man fighting for his life. The man was injured at the offices of Liberation newspaper, before another shooting about two hours later outside the headquarters of Societe-Generale bank.
In a third incident, a man was taken hostage close to the bank and forced to drive to the Champs-Elysees before being released.
Police are guarding media offices across Paris and have said it is not yet clear whether the incidents are linked. There are also unconfirmed reports that the suspect may be carrying grenades.
The victim at Liberation newspaper was shot in the chest and arm, according to police union spokesman Christophe Crepin.
The shooter reportedly entered the lobby of the building just before 10.15am, fired several shots without saying a word and then fled. Liberation says the 27-year-old victim - a photographer's assistant - is in a critical condition at the city's Pitie-Salpetriere hospital.
No one was injured at the bank shooting, according to a Societe-Generale spokesperson.
Police confirmed three shots were fired outside the building, which is located about six miles (10km) from the newspaper's office.
Reporter Robert Nisbet said shortly after the bank shooting, a man called police and said he had been taken hostage in the nearby town of Puteaux.
"He was told he should drive to the Champs-Elysees - right in the centre of Paris" said Nisbet.
The shootings come three days after a man stormed into the Paris headquarters of news channel BFMTV brandishing a shotgun and warned a senior editor: "Next time, I will not miss you."
Police are also investigating a link with that incident and comparing CCTV footage.
French President Francois Hollande said in a statement he had ordered authorities to "mobilise all means to clarify the circumstances of these acts and arrest the perpetrator or perpetrators".
Freelance journalist Peter Allen, who is on the Champs-Elysees, said there is an "eery silence on the streets" and that people in the area have been told to stay inside.
"The hunt is on for this man," said Allen. "He has been described as between 40 and 45-years-old, stout, shaven headed, wearing a cap and jeans.
"Rather disturbing reports say he is actually brandishing hand grenades as well as a shotgun. No one has seen him for a while and there are reports that he disappeared down into the Metro system - specifically line one - a hugely popular line full of tourists at all times of the day" he added.
