Paris police killings may have been terror attack: prosecutors

FRENCH prosecutors have opened an investigation that treats a knife attack that left four dead at Paris police headquarters as a potential act of terrorism.

The Paris prosecutors’ office said information from researching the background of longtime employee, Michael Harpon, who killed three police officers and an administrator led to the probe for multiple murders “in relation with a terrorist enterprise”.

Investigators scoured the 45-year-old attacker’s computer and mobile phone for clues to his motive, and also interviewed his wife and witnesses.

A rookie police officer shot and killed him in a courtyard during Thursday’s attack.

Authorities said the assailant, a technology administrator in the police intelligence unit, had worked for the Paris police force since 2003. He converted to Islam 18 months ago.

His wife has reportedly said that he had a psychotic episode, was incoherent and heard voices the night before the attack.

The woman, who is in custody but not charged, told police he had a disagreement with his bosses, according to French media.

Interior minister Christophe Castaner said Harpon had never shown behavioural problems.

News broadcaster France Info and BFM TV said the attacker’s wife told police that her husband, who was deaf, had visions and made incoherent statements on the night before the attack.

Noam Anouar, of the Vigi police union, said the assailant had security clearance to work in the police intelligence unit.

Asked about the ceramic knife the assailant took into the building, a spokeswoman at the Paris police said officers and administrators could enter the building with their badges under an officer’s supervision.

They were not submitted to bag searches and security screening like the public.