French police uncover terrorists' hideaway

A general view shows the Appart'City hotel in Alfortville, near Paris, France, November 17, 2015 where two rooms were rented by Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam, actively wanted in France and Belgium, according to sources close to the investigation (Reuters)
A general view shows the Appart'City hotel in Alfortville, near Paris, France, November 17, 2015 where two rooms were rented by Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam, actively wanted in France and Belgium, according to sources close to the investigation (Reuters)

French police have discovered the refuge used by the Paris bombers in the lead-up to their deadly attack.

As Russia and France continue to bomb Syria in retaliation, the UK has signalled it wants to follow suit.

The famous Wembley Stadium arch warmly embraced France in its grief and defiance before kick-off at a friendly match against England.

French players gazed skyward during the minute's silence. They were on the pitch at the Stade de France when explosions signalled terror had been unleashed on Paris.

This time Prince William stood with them.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has been far from silent on his desire to bomb Syria, where the mastermind behind the Paris attacks is believed to be.

"We cannot expect others to carry the burdens and risks of protecting our country," says Mr Cameron.

Now Russia has joined France in unleashing its fury and firepower on Syria. Russian President Vladimar Putin explicitly says the raids are vengeance for the bombing of a Russian airliner.

"We should not apply any time limits," says Mr Putin. "We will search for them everywhere, wherever they are hiding, anywhere on the planet; we will punish them."

But Europe is on edge. Fans were evacuated from a stadium in Hanover, Germany, just hours before another friendly football match.

Police talked of a credible threat of explosives, but searches turned up nothing.

Tensions are heightened by the fact at least two of those behind the Paris massacre are still on the run, and others slipped authorities earlier.

Five of the seven gunmen have so far been identified. They were all known to either French or Belgian intelligence agencies. But it's believed neither had the resources to keep track of them.

French police released a video of more raids and seizures of computer equipment, electronics and pages of documents.

In the hotel where Salah Abdelsalam and his gang of terrorists spent two days leading up to the bloody attacks, among the discarded pizza boxes is bomb-making paraphernalia.

Across town there are yet more clues in an abandoned car leased to Salah, whose brother Brahim blew himself up during the attacks.

A surviving brother has said "of course I advise him to give himself up", but Abdel Salam has help. Two men have been now been charged with assisting the fugitive.

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