A Bermudian living in Paris has spoken of the shock and devastation wrought by yesterday’s terror attacks on the offices of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Eight journalists, including the magazine’s editor, and two policemen were among the dead when gunmen opened fire during the publication’s editorial meeting.

The terrorist attack, which was branded “cowardly murder” by President François Hollande, prompted security to be stepped up across France, while Paris was placed on the highest alert.

Tiffany-Latoya Smith, 27, a foreign language teacher who moved to Paris three years ago told The Royal Gazette that the atrocities had left her shocked and fearful.

“When I learned about this incident, I was shocked and quite scared,” she said.

“Paris is usually very quiet.

“No one would expect that to happen, especially in broad daylight.

“Yesterday was a cold, foggy, and in addition a sad day.

“Parisians and I discussed the situation and they explained to me how this is a historic moment for France.

“This newspaper is known to include many very sarcastic, provocative, and expressive drawings representing any subject related to France.”

Ms Smith moved to Paris to teach Spanish and English to students at the Saudi Arabian Embassy High School. She also teaches business English to professionals in the city.

A major manhunt was launched in Paris yesterday for the gunmen who stormed the headquarters of the Charlie Hebdo magazine.

Protests and rallies over the killings were held in cities across France after the country’s deadliest attack in decades.

Hollande said the country’s tradition of free speech had been attacked and called on all French people to stand together

Ms Smith, who was at work in the 8th district of Paris, when a friend texted her about the attack, added: “Paris is shocked, France is shocked.

“There were policemen in the streets, in front of all of the political offices, monuments, and newspaper offices in Paris.

“I saw many policemen in the subway stations when I went to take the train.

“At this moment there are thousands of Parisians and internationals reunited outside of the Place de la République holding up signs reading ‘Je suis Charlie’, which is the name of the newspaper headquarters that was attacked.

“French President Hollande has stated that France has been attacked in its heart.

“Twelve people were killed including famous drawers from this newspaper who were a very essential part of the French culture.

“There are numerous gatherings in other major cities of France such as Lyon and Toulouse regarding this issue. Paris is at its highest terrorist alert at this time.”

French police said that the masked gunmen fled to northern Paris, before abandoning their car and hijacking a second one.

Local media reports quote unnamed police sources as saying the three suspects have been identified.

Eyewitnesses said they heard as many as 50 shots fired by the attackers both inside the Charlie Hebdo office and on the streets outside.

The gunmen were captured on amateur video shooting one injured police officer at point-blank range in the head on the pavement.