Deadly explosions near Stade de France as attacks strike Paris

Fans were initially held inside the Stade de France at full time after the match following deadly attacks close to the stadium in northern Paris.

Two explosions were heard from inside the stadium during the first half of the international friendly, with French media suggesting over 100 people have been killed in city-wide attacks with dozens of casualties.

"Three people were killed in an attack at the Stade de France, with some reports suggesting a suicide blast," the BBC reported.

The BBC also reported on other city-wide attacks.

"At least 100 people are reported to have died at the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris," added the report.

"Gunmen took many hostages there before being overpowered when police stormed the building.

"Other attacks hit Le Petit Cambodge restaurant and nearby Le Carillon in the 10th district, where a BBC reporter said he could see 10 people lying on the road, either dead or seriously injured.

"And an eyewitness told Liberation newspaper that he had heard more than 100 rounds being fired at La Belle Equipe cafe in the 11th district," the report continued.

French President Francois Hollande, who had been at the match, said the attackers would be fought "without mercy", as he declared a state of emergency across the entire country

While the explosions were clearly audible during the match, few fans appeared aware of the magnitude of what was unfolding across Paris.

Confusion grew after the final whistle as fans were moved from the stands and onto the field, as security staff worked to ensure the safety of those inside the stadium.

"I heard two explosions from inside the stadium in the first half and then a third fainter one a few moments later," photographer Ryu Voelkel told Eurosport.

"Everyone was moved to the pitch at full time. The atmosphere was quite calm but obviously people only want to leave if it was safe."

Eurosport France's Maxime Dupuis was also in the stadium, and reported on a surreal situation with a helicopter circling the ground with fans unsure of what was going on.

The stadium was finally fully evacuated at midnight local time.

Meanwhile, AFP reported that players were left staring blank-faced at TV screens in the tunnel "as the horror on the streets of Paris unfolded."

"We are all in shock," said Germany coach Joachim Loew. "The game and the goals move into the background on a day like this.

"We were told in the changing rooms what had happened. All of us on the bench were a bit scared because of a bomb threat earlier today when we spent three hours outside (our hotel)."

The Stade de France is due to host next year's European Championship final.