'IT WAS terrifying'- the message from a group of Dorchester students who were caught up in terror atrocities in Paris.

Youngsters from Thomas Hardye School and their teachers had travelled to the French capital at the weekend for an art-photography trip.

On Friday night, terrorists opened fire in sites across the city, killing around 129 people and injuring 300.

The students were in a restaurant at the time of the attacks and heard sirens when everything went 'manic.'

They stayed inside until it was safe to leave but had to walk three miles through the city centre to get back to their hotel as all transport had been shut down.

One of the students on the trip, Beth Gregory, told the Echo: "We are all okay and safe but last night [Friday] was horrible. We realised something had happened from all the sirens and it became quite manic.

"We ended up staying in the restaurant until a safe option was made on how to get to the hotel. However all the transport routes were closed so we had to walk three miles through central Paris. I know you see it on TV, but actually being there while it was happening was terrifying."

She said that on Saturday, Paris was was 'quiet' with police on every corner.

Thomas Hardye School headteacher Michael Foley said: "I can confirm that we have a group of 20 sixth form students in Paris this weekend on an art/photography trip. They are safe and well and we are in regular contact with the group leader. Parents have been contacted and have access to an emergency contact in this country as part of our normal procedures for trips and visits. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Paris after such appalling events."

Reports suggest that eighty people were killed after gunmen burst in to the Bataclan Concert Hall.

Explosions also went off near the Stade de France stadium where France were playing Germany at football.

There will be a heightened police presence at British ports and major events over the coming days in response to the massacres in Paris, a senior Metropolitan Police officer has said.

Dorset MPs have condemned the 'horrifying' attacks.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said: "All of our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this appalling abomination. It’s an absolute tragedy.

"What’s even scarier is that it could have been London.

"It could have been our children, our parents, our grandparents that could have been killed. We simply cannot comprehend the mindset of people who behave like this."

West Dorset MP Police Letwin said: "As we think of these horrifying attacks on a city whose history is woven into our history, we are reminded of the dangers that we ourselves face here in the UK - and of the vital work that our security services do in discovering and preventing the plots against us."

Anyone who is concerned about loved ones in Paris can contact the Foreign Office in London on 020 7008 0000.