" Cowardly assassination carried out by two terrorists in the name of Daesh,"- French President Francois Hollande has said.

According to the President the attacker was shouting that he was a member of ISIS.

Two men armed with knives have been shot dead after taking several people hostage in a church in northern France. One of the hostages- a priest has been killed by slitting his throat. another hostage has been hospitalized and is fighting for his life. A policeman has been wounded as well.

The French Interior Ministry confirmed that both attacker have been killed. The President has already left for Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray.