Paris rallies against extremism after 12 shot dead in terrorist attack at Charlie Hebdo magazine

PARISIANS are rallying to present a united front against religious extremism after a fatal terrorist attack on the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

Crowds gathered at the city’s Place de la République last night as the sun set on the second day following the atrocity that made headlines all over the world.

In an event that was a hybrid of political protest and a vigil for the 12 people killed in the massacre, thousands flocked to voice their sadness and defend the values of the republic.

It is a strange thing to witness up another country’s grief up close, but the armed attack on January 7 has become the world’s tragedy.

The mood was sombre and reflective, but defiantly patriotic, with crowds singing the national anthem and chanting “Vive la France” (“Long live France”) and “On n’a pas peur” (“We are not afraid”) alongside what has become the global slogan of support “Nous sommes tous Charlie” (“We are all Charlie”).

The chanting was interrupted by moments of silence in which the crowd fell still, holding pens aloft in a symbol of freedom of speech, while only the wind could be heard whistling around the enormous city square.

For such a potentially volatile situation, the French have so far responded with admirable dignity. There is a general sense here that it is imperative to fight back by presenting a united front.

“We are proud of the unity of France’s reaction,” said Loic Floch, a 32-year-old graphic designer. “It’s funny, because Charlie Hebdo was an anarchist paper.”

But despite the bravado, a palpable sadness remained in the air. Mini shrines made up of candles, flowers, drawings and notes could be found nestled among the hordes of people gathered in the square.

“We’re all in shock,” said student Simon Guichard, 17, who, as an ex-intern at Charlie Hebdo who worked with some of those killed, had a very personal reason for turning up to the vigil.

“The news hit me very hard,” he said.

“But the reaction here in Paris has been good - it’s the best image we can send to the world.”

As France wakes to a new day, the mood is still fragile.

But as visual producer Hannah Eyriad Murray, aged 27, puts it: “It’s good that everyone is united together.

“It has rekindled solidarity.

“Above all, we can’t let racism win.”

• The three terrorists behind the bloody spate of terror attacks in France have been killed after police stormed both scenes.

Charlie Hebdo killer brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi were shot after reportedly emerging from their bolt hole firing at police.

Minutes later armed officers stormed the Jewish supermarket in Paris where Amedy Coulibaly had been locked in a bloody stand-off.

He had threatened to kill hostages if police acted against the Kouachis.

Ambulances streamed away from both scenes after the gunfire and explosions which brought the sieges to an end.

Hostages from the supermarket could be seen being led to safety. The Kouachis' hostage was also freed.