The photographer’s assistant was shot twice in the main reception of Paris-based newspaper Libération, which reports that the victim is aged 23 and not 27 as stated yesterday.

The man, who has not been named, remains in a critical condition in intensive care following six hours of surgery at Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, the newspaper added yesterday evening.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to help track down the gunman who later opened fire at Societe Generale bank in the city.

The assailant is described as aged 35-45, 1.7-1.8 meters tall, of European appearance with ‘salt and pepper hair’.

He was reported to be wearing a three-quarter-length khaki jacket.

Police have urged witnesses to call 0800 00 27 08.