BREAKING NEWS: 'Terrorists' kill two police officers in AK-47 ambush on the Champs Elysees with one attacker killed - as French Presidential candidates debate nearby

A French police officer was tonight shot dead on the Champs Elysees in Paris (pictured) - just as presidential candidates took part in a TV debate nearby

Two police officers were shot dead by a pair of Kalashnikov-wielding gunmen on the Champs Elysees in central Paris tonight.

French police said that the incident was probably a 'terrorist act' and the world famous avenue was on lockdown by 9pm.

Heavily armed officers had flooded the area and a third individual - believed to be the killer - was shot dead, according to police sources.

Police are searching the home of the shooter in east Paris and the attacker mentioned on social media that he 'wanted to kill police', according to BFM TV.

Reports suggest 'at least' two people were involved in the attack which took place as presidential candidates took part in a TV debate nearby before Sunday's election.

The Interior Ministry spokesman said on BFM TV the officers were deliberately targeted and the police union added that one of them was shot dead while sat in a car at a red light.

Police closed off the popular avenue (pictured) after a policeman was killed during a shooting incident in the French capital

A French police officer stood guard on the Champs Elysees in central Paris following the fatal shooting in the capital on Thursday