A RETIRED footballer was among the thousands caught up in terror attacks across Paris.

Jamie Hoyland, who played for Burnley and Bury, was at the Stade de France stadium, on a scouting mission, when two suicide attacks and a bombing took place outside last night.

French president Francois Hollande was also among thousands of football fans watching the national side play a friendly fixture against Germany.

Mr Hoyland tweeted last night from the French capital to say he was safe.

He told his 4,456 followers: "Thanks for everyone's messages. I am safely back at hotel after the most scary night of my life.

"Thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones. We are living in a mad, mad world at the moment!"

His comments prompted a string of relieved messages from friends and followers on his social media account.

This morning, as it was confirmed at least 127 people had been killed, along with eight gunmen, and dozens more critically injured, Mr Hoyland said he was boarding a flight to Manchester.

He said: "Never been as relieved in my life."

Paris was hit by a series of terror attacks last night which also targeted cafes, restaurants and a concenrt venue.

Police stormed the Bataclan concert hall where hostages were being held, but attackers, wearing suicide belts, blew themselves up, leaving 80 people feared dead.

French president Francois Hollande said he was closing the country's borders and declaring a state of emergency.

Mr Hoyland writes a regular column for the Bury Times, the Lancashire Telegraph's sister newspaper, who said he was in Paris 'scouting France v Germany'.

The explosions happened during the first half of the game.

Midfielder Mr Hoyland played 87 times for Burnley between 1994 and 1998, scoring four times.

He played his most games for Bury - 172 in total - chipping in with 35 goals.

This morning, the Lancashire Anglican/Muslim Forum issued the following statement in relation to the Paris attacks: "We are shaken by the horrific, atrocious and vicious attacks that have taken place in Paris.

"Our thoughts, feelings and prayers are with the victims' loved ones. We express our solidarity with the families of those affected and with the people of France.

"We pray that whatever we say and do, in particular in the coming days, takes into consideration people's suffering, emotions and sensibilities. And we pray that we avoid words and actions which add fuel to the fire lit by people that wish to divide us."