Chilling television pictures showed the moments that Parisians thought they were under fire – again.

Less than two days after Friday’s coordinated terrorist attack, which killed 132 people and rocked the world, mourners visited a Paris square to pay their respects.

But their tribute was halted by what was described as a ‘loud bang’ by locals, as hundreds either fled on foot or hid under tables at restaurants in the Place de la Republique.

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Several police vehicles were sent to the scene in the panic as initial and unconfirmed reports suggested another shooting had taken place.

It later emerged, though, that the sound was caused by firecrackers going off – and there had been no shooting.

But, for a city on edge, the false alarm caused complete panic, with people even running over flowers laid for the victims in their bid to find safety.

See video of the incident below

According to Sky News, a police official said: “There was crowd movement apparently, with no reason.

“We hadn’t heard anything and all the people we questioned hadn’t heard anything either.”

The news comes after French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve revealed Friday’s attacks were believed to have been organised by a group of Belgian individuals.

A manhunt for 26-year old Abdeslam Salah, born in Belgium, is under way, with the public asked for information – but warned not to approach him.