Sick firecracker prank in Paris sparks mass stampede as hundreds flee vigil

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Sick pranksters let off firecrackers causing mass panic and confusion as hundreds of people gathered at a vigil in Paris tonight.

Families were paying tribute to the 132 victims with a moving gathering at Place de la Republique when screams broke out and a stampede of mourners fled the scene.

Live news broadcast shows dozens of people running away from the scene in terror as people reported hearing shooting.

In less than one minute the square was emptied as people rushed away.

People were seen cowering under tables in restaurants while broken glass lay around on the ground.

But officials said the panic had been sparked by people hearing firecrackers and confirmed there had not been any gunfire.

As rumours of a false alarm spread people began returning to the square.

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