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Authorities in Paris have halted filming of scenes from action movies on its streets in wake of recent terror attacks. The city is still on high alert following attack on the magazine Charlie Hebdo and other attacks, which left 20 people dead. Security has been heightened around synagogues, newspaper and broadcasting offices and shopping malls. Armed police and soldiers are clearly visible on streets. Security measures have now been extended to movie industry. Paris' police commander Sylvie Barnaud said: "There's problem with these action-type scenes, as actors in uniform could be targets for terrorists….Also, actors could pose confusion for general public."

Ms Barnaud said she did not know how long the ban would last but feels time is not right for car chases, fake weapons and pyrotechnics. She said: "I was shocked to hear witnesses of Charlie Hebdo attacks say on television that it seemed like movie shoot." One French movie insider said new restrictions could have impact on big American productions. She said: "It's not right moment to do it. Even if Steven Spielberg wanted to film big scene with police and shoot-out in the streets…I'm sure it would not have got made." Paris is hosting annual Film Set Fair this week, hoping to attract big productions. Filmmakers are worried restrictions could reduce the number of movies filmed in Paris.