SCORES of people have been killed in separate attacks in Paris.

Here is how the night unfolded:

:: Two explosions were heard near the Stade de France, where Francois Hollande was watching France play Germany in an international football friendly, at around 8.30pm UK time.

:: Around one hour later there were reports of a shooting at the Petit Cambodge restaurant, about five miles away from the Stade de France.

:: By 10pm, French Police had confirmed that at least 18 people had been killed. Meanwhile, there were also reports of shootings near the Bataclan theatre, south of the restaurant.

:: Within ten minutes, police officials confirmed that the death toll had risen to at least 26 people, 15 of whom were killed in the Bataclan theatre. They also said that an ongoing hostage crisis had developed at the theatre, which was hosting a performance by Eagles of Death Metal, an American rock band. Between 60 and 100 people were reportedly being held hostage.

:: At around 11pm, President Francois Hollande placed the whole of France under a state of emergency and announced that the country's borders had been closed. It followed confirmation that the death toll had risen to 42 people and a statement from Barack Obama, who said: "We stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism."

:: Around 20 minutes later, French police confirmed two suicide attacks and one bombing near the Stade de France stadium. At least three people were believed to have died in those attacks near the stadium. Soon after that, there were reports of shots and explosions at the Bataclan theatre.

:: As the French military were photographed making their way into the centre of Paris, the police outside the Bataclan theatre stormed the building. Police officials confirmed the security forces had launched an assault on the theatre and two attackers had been killed.

:: One official described "carnage" inside the building, saying the attackers had thrown explosives at the hostages, and it was confirmed that at least 100 people were killed inside the Bataclan theatre.

:: A Paris city hall spokesman said the latest death toll was at least 140 people, and confirmed that shots were fired in at least two restaurants. A witness of the attack at the theatre described a scene which "looked like a battlefield". He told the Guardian: "The police told us to run."