Around 50 Leeds University students were caught up in the terror attacks in Paris on Friday night, during which nearly 130 people were killed and 180 injured.
The French students were unable to get back to their hotel, due to road closures and police blockades, but were provided shelter in a nearby restaurant by staff who put up the shutters to protect those inside.
Leeds French Soc posted to their Facebook page: “Just writing on behalf of everyone here in Paris to say that we are all currently safe and away from any danger.
“It’s been a bit crazy and everyone’s feeling the effects but morale is high!”
The world has been left in shock after terror attacks were carried out by eight gunmen and suicide bombers across a number of locations in Paris.
At least 12 people were killed when a gunman opened fire at Le Carillon bar and Le Petit Cambodge restaurant. Five people were also killed when a gunman shot at diners eating on the terrace of La Casa Nostra pizzeria.
Outside of the Stade de France, where France’s football team were playing a match against Germany, suicide bombers detonated their devices at fast food outlets and a brasserie nearby.
The greatest loss of life occurred at the Bataclan Concert Hall where US rock group ‘Eagles of Death Metal’ were performing a sell out gig.
Four gunmen opened fire on the crowd, killing at least 80, before taking 20 hostages.
Three attackers blew themselves up, another was shot dead by police.
IS have now claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they were in response to France’s involvement in air strikes in Syria.
In a statement they said: “France and those who follow its path must know that they remain the principal targets of the Islamic State.”
President Hollande said in speech that France had been “attacked in cowardly shameful and violent way” and that the country would be “pitiless in its response to the Islamic State militants” using every means within the law.
This is the worst terror attack in Europe since the 2004 Madrid bombings, and the deadliest attack in peacetime France.
Three days of national mourning have been declared.
Jessica Murray