Stars praying for Paris shooting victims

Harry Styles, Onerepublic and actor Gilles Marini are among the stars who are praying for the people of Paris, France after a series of violent attacks gripped the city on Friday night (13Nov15).

Authorities have confirmed three separate co-ordinated incidents took place at around 10pm local time, with unconfirmed reports suggesting more than 60 people are dead and dozens injured following shootings at a Paris restaurant and nearby bomb explosions in an area surrounding the Stade de France soccer stadium, where France's national team beat Germany 2-0 in a friendly.

As the shocking news began to hit headlines, celebrities flocked to Twitter.com to express their horror at the situation and offer up sympathy for the victims and their families.

"Thinking of everyone in Paris," One Direction's Harry Styles writes, while Kings of Leon rocker Nathan Followill tweets, "Sending prayers to Paris right now."

"This stupid senseless violence must stop," rages French actor Gilles Marini. "Tired of those extremist a-hole (sic). My prayers goes to the victims in #Paris today."

"Thinking of everyone in Paris...," writes actress Sophia Bush. "Police in #Paris are urging people to remain indoors right now. If you are safe, stay where you are."

Meanwhile, singer Mika has been caught up in the chaos in Paris after landing in the city as the attacks unfolded.

"Just landed in Paris amidst all the confusion, bombings and attacks," he reveals. "It's horrible".

The stars of OneRepublic also detailed their close call.

"Literally just took off from Paris to hear there was another shooting involving AK47's and grenades," Ryan Tedder explains. "DOOM on those who did this...

"We were staying next to the Charlie Hebdo offices until this morning, where there are now hostages. This is unbelievable. God help this ppl (people) Our prayers are with u (sic) Paris".

The headquarters of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo was the scene of another horrific shooting incident in January (15), when 12 journalists and cartoonists were killed over religious-themed, satirical articles and art.

Others who have offered up supportive tweets on Friday include Joe Jonas and his brother Nick, Rob Lowe, Henry Winkler, and Juliette Lewis.

President Barack Obama staged a brief press conference at The White House on Friday afternoon (13Nov15) as news of the terror attacks unfolded.

"This is not just an attack on Paris... This is an attack on all humanity," he said, adding he's all set to help his French counterparts: "We stand prepared and ready... France is our oldest ally."

President Obama also told the media, "We know what it's like, we've gone through these episodes ourselves."