'We are ready to die as martyrs': Paris gunmen in dramatic final stand-off with hundreds of armed police surrounding business premises near Paris airport after killer brothers seize HOSTAGE

Al Qaeda brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi (top right) have been cornered in a village 25 miles from the capital after exchanging gunfire with police on a dramatic car chase this morning. Officials denied earlier reports that two people had been killed during the operation, but confirmed a hostage had been taken. As helicopters hovered overhead, negotiations were underway with the Islamic fanatics, who massacred 12 people at the officers of the satirical newspaper on Wednesday. Runways have been closed at Charles de Gaulle airport, around five miles away over fears the gunmen have rocket launchers capable of bringing down an aircraft.