POLICE chiefs have reacted with shock at the suspected Islamist terrorist attack on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, which left two officers and several journalists dead.

Sir Peter Fahy said that Greater Manchester Police would observe a two-minute silence outside force HQ at 10.30am today 24 hours on from the "appalling atrocity".

Lancashire Police staff will be doing the same, while Bolton's police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd has said that to kill journalists, cartoonists and police officers was "barbaric".

French police have released images of two men they are hunting, having already made seven arrests.

They are Said and Cherif Kouachi, aged 34 and 32.

According to media reports, Cherif was first considered to be a possible terrorist by the French authorities when he was in his early 20s and had dreamed of attacking Jewish targets in France. 

The gunmen shouted Islamist slogans as they entered the offices of the magazine, before killing 12 people.

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Peter Fahy, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of all those who lost their lives in yesterday’s tragic and savage events.

“At 10.30am, 24 hours on from this appalling atrocity, we will hold a small ceremony to pay our respects and remember the twelve innocent people who were murdered, including two police officers who were simply trying to protect the public.

“All members of the British police forces are shocked at the savagery of this attack. In any democratic society it is the role of the police to protect basic human rights and our two French colleagues died protecting free speech.

“They knew the risks they were facing in carrying out their duty and clearly showed great bravery in trying to prevent the terrorists murdering others. We stand in solidarity and express our great sympathy for their families and friends.

“We have to stand together against this threat and we cannot be naive or complacent about how extremist ideologies seek to justify this compete disrespect for human life and for the values which ensure the freedom and welfare of all citizens.

"We need the continued cooperation and support of the public but all members of British policing will be even more determined to meet this threat. "

Photographs of the ceremony will be shared with French colleagues in a show of solidarity.

A book of condolence will be made available at GMP's HQ in Northampton Road, Newton Heath for people to write messages.

Mr Lloyd said: "This is a shocking attack. Freedom of expression is a precious right, whether we agree or disagree with the views of those who exercise it.

“To kill journalists, cartoonists and police officers is an act of barbarity – but it will not work. The fundamental belief in the right of people to express themselves in a democratic society will not be dented by terrorist attacks.

“Our thoughts are with the victims of today’s attack.”

The dead have been named by French authorities.

They are Charlie Hebdo editor and cartoonist Stephane Charbonnier, aged 47, who had been living under police protection since receiving death threats.

Cartoonists Jean Cabut, aged 76, Bernard Verlhac, aged 57, Georges Wolinski, aged 80, and Philippe Honore, aged 73.

Economist and regular magazine columnist Bernard Maris, aged 68, known to readers as Uncle Bernard.

Mustapha Ourrad, proof-reader and Elsa Cayat, psychoanalyst and columnist, the only woman killed.

Michel Renaud, who was visiting from the city of Clermont-Ferrand.

Frederic Boisseau, aged 42, a caretaker, who was in the reception area at the time of the attack.

Police officers Franck Brinsolaro, who acted as Charb's bodyguard, and Ahmed Merabet, aged 42, who was shot dead while on the ground.