THE COUNCIL for Mosques in Bradford has expressed its shock at the terrorist attacks in Paris.

A manhunt is under way for accomplices of gunmen who killed at least 128 people in Paris and wounded many more, as French president Francois Hollande pledged to wage a "merciless" fight against terrorism.

Islamic State (IS) today claimed responsibility for the outrage. 

A spokesman for the Council for Mosques said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of life. Our prayers and thoughts are very much with the victims, their families and the French nation.

"We will be having urgent talks with leaders of other faith communities in the city for an appropriate joint response to this latest tragedy.”

Policing was being strengthened at ports and major events in the UK, and Prime Minister David Cameron was this morning chairing a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency committee which could raise the official assessment of the threat from international terrorism from its current "severe" level.

Authorities in France believe that all eight of the attackers responsible for the country's worst night of violence since the Second World War are now dead, including seven who blew themselves up with suicide bombs.

But the city's prosecutor said it is possible there are still other terrorists on the run.

A state of emergency was declared in France after the attacks, which Mr Hollande described as an "abomination".

Today, Mr Hollande denounced the attacks as an "act of war" and blamed the Islamic State terror group for the carnage.

Speaking after an emergency meeting of senior government and security officials at the Elysee Palace, Mr Hollande announced three days of national mourning and vowed that France would be "pitiless" in its response to terrorism.

In Bradford, Council leaders ordered the French tricolour to fly at City Hall as a gesture of solidarity with people affected by the Paris atrocities. 

Leader of the Council, Councillor David Green, said: "We are shocked and appalled by the bomb and gun attacks on the people of Paris last night.

"Our thoughts are with the French people, particularly those who have been bereaved or injured by this dreadful violence. This is an attack on the rights of all us to live in peace."

And Councillor Ralph Berry, the executive member for children’s and adult services, said: “As we did after the Charlie Hebdo attacks, Bradford Council stands in solidarity with the people of France against these horrific acts.

"People of all religions and backgrounds will condemn these attacks.”

Keighley Conservative MP Kris Hopkins also condemned those behind the atrocity.

“I was totally appalled as the full horror of Friday evening’s attacks in Paris became clear," said Mr Hopkins.

“Having already had to cope with the violent deaths of 17 innocent victims in January, including 12 at the office of Charlie Hebdo, it beggars belief that the French people are now having to endure even greater pain at the hands of cowardly terrorists.

“The Prime Minister has rightly made clear that our country stands shoulder-to-shoulder with France and will provide whatever support the French Government needs at this most difficult of times.

“I also welcome David Cameron’s decision to convene an emergency Cobra meeting of senior ministers and officials to review the UK’s security arrangements.    

“The sickening events in Paris serve as a stark reminder that the world is now a very dangerous place and we must all be vigilant whilst the terrorist threat remains so high.

“We will never bow down to these evil men whose warped view of humanity and of Islam can never prevail.”