Maltese MEPs are logging onto social media to confirm they are safe as gunshots are being fired in a Christmas market near the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“After Strasbourg attack we are locked down in the European Parliament building. We are contacting persons we know are here to ascertain their safety The PN & PL delegations, Maltese journalists & our assistants are safe If you are in Strasbourg stay safe & follow Police orders,” MEP Roberta Metsola posted on Twitter.

At least one person has died and three people have been seriously injured by the unknown shooter or shooters. The attack began after 7pm in Place Kleber, near the centre of the city.

French police armed with machine guns were seen running into the square and evacuating anyone nearby

Many high-ranking Maltese diplomats and international politicians are based in Strasbourg

Yet this is far from the first terror threat the political centre has seen, with the area being evacuated after a severe bomb threat in recent times.

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]