Update: French police complete operation after gunshots reported in Paris

French police say a short security operation which took place earlier in central Paris is now over.

They swooped after reports of gunshots and an alert from the government.

There had been fears of a terror attack on a church in the Chatelet area of the city.

A police operation was launched this afternoon, but officers say it is now over and there is no risk of any danger.

The Prefecture de police in Paris confirmed the news this afternoon, saying there was an operation underway and that the area around the premier arrondissement should be avoided.

Video captured at the area showed the extent of the police presence in the wake of the reports.

EN DIRECT sur #Periscope : Paris attacks - hostages taken #breakingnews with Euro #euroscope #fb #news France https://t.co/m6owOeIJ3z

— Euro Maestro (@euromaestro) September 17, 2016

The Prefecture confirmed shortly afterwards that the operation had finished, and that there was no danger to report.

Paris 1er - Fin de l'intervention des forces de l'ordre - Levée de doute effectuée, aucun danger à signaler

— Préfecture de Police (@prefpolice) September 17, 2016