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World News

Priest's 'huge sense of revulsion' at Paris shooting

by Antony Bushfield

Fr Aidan Troy from St Joseph's said the loss of life had left his heart broken.

Witnesses say masked gunmen entered a satirical weekly newspaper in central Paris earlier this morning.

Reports suggest 10 others have been injured.

Charlie Hebdo has seen repeated threats for its caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed, among other controversial sketches.

Fr Aidan said: "Any loss of life and particularly something in a very public way sends a huge sense of revulsion through me.

"They're going about their local business whether it's in journalism, in business, in the family or in the Church, I think that is a basic of society.

"Then when I hear this news my heart is broken."

The French President Francois Hollande says the country is now on the highest terror alert level.

Speaking about the incident, he said:"France is today in shock. This is a terrorist attack.

"This newspaper was threatened several times in the past - we need to show we're a united country."

Prime Minister David Cameron has also spoken in solidarity with France.

"This House and this country stands united with the French people in our opposition to all forms of terrorism and we stand squarely for free speech and democracy.

"These people will never be able to take us off these values."

At the start of Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, he said:

Fr Aidan said it was a tragic loss of life and added that when violence is very close it makes him realise how "vulnerable everybody becomes".

"The main thing always to remember is that life must be sacred and must be regarded as sacred.

"The nearer it comes to our own doorsteps the more I have to question myself as a Christian minister.

"Am I doing enough to promote peace, tolerance, harmony, understanding and acceptance?"

He added: "I think prayer is always essential and even though people might find that a bit strange I don't think there can be anything more important."

"They went to work this morning as we all do and now they've gone to their eternal maker."

Security in churches is also being stepped up in the wake of this attack.

Police have now launched what's been described as a 'major operation' to catch those behind the shootings.

Fr Aidan Troy speaking to Premier's Antony Bushfield:

US President Barack Obama said in a statement: "I strongly condemn the horrific shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine that reportedly killed 12 people.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrorist attack and the people of France at this difficult time.

"France is America's oldest ally, and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorists who threaten our shared security and the world.

"Time and again, the French people have stood up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended. France, and the great city of Paris where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers.

"We are in touch with French officials and I have directed my Administration to provide any assistance needed to help bring these terrorists to justice."

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