Police officers in Paris, France
Police officers in Paris, FranceiStock

Three people were killed and four more wounded in a mass shooting in Paris on Friday when a gunman opened fire.

The attack took place in the Rue d'Enghien, near a Kurdish cultural center in the 10th arrondissement of the French capital. Two of the wounded are in critical condition.

An eyewitness told AFP that seven or eight shots were fired during the attack.

Police have sealed off the surrounding area, and a 69-year-old male suspect has reportedly been taken into custody.

Authorities say an investigation has been launched against the alleged shooter for murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault charges, though no motive has yet been disclosed.

"A gun attack has taken place. Thank you to the security forces for their swift action," Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire tweeted. "Thoughts for the victims and those who witnessed this drama."

10th arrondissement Mayor Alexandra Cordebard told BBC News that the gunman was wounded by police, and added that the shooter had targeted the Kurdish center, a local restaurant and a hair salon, where two people were shot.

A crowd which gathered near the scene of the shooting denounced Turkey and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

AP reported that the crowd chanted "Erdogan - terrorist!" and "Turkish state - assassin!"