Paris - A man who took his mother hostage and then began shooting at pedestrians in Paris from his apartment has been killed by police, BFM television reported on Monday.

The man, who was said to be about 50 years old, took his mother hostage for about an hour early Monday. After releasing her, he began to shoot at police and other pedestrians with what French media described as a small-calibre handgun.

One man was reportedly shot in the back and taken to hospital. His condition was said to be stable.

Shortly after noon, police stormed the flat and killed the man, BFM reported. (dpa)