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One policeman has been shot dead and two others wounded in central Paris, French police say, with their suspected attacker killed by security forces.
A lone gunman opened fire before being killed as he fled the scene, police say. The Champs-Elysees was sealed off.
President Francois Hollande said that he was convinced the attack was "terrorist-related".
So-called Islamic State (IS) said that one of its "fighters" had carried out the attack.
Islamist militancy is a major issue in the polls after recent mass attacks claimed by IS, with 238 people killed in jihadist attacks in France since 2015, according to data from AFP news agency.
Several candidates in Sunday's presidential election have ended their campaigns early as a mark of respect, with the centre-right's François Fillon calling on others to halt theirs too.
"On the face of it, the officers were deliberately targeted," interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said.
Media captionEyewitness: "I heard two or three shots... then there was just panic all around." Mr Hollande said after crisis talks with his prime minister and interior minister that the security forces had the full support of the nation and a national tribute would be paid to the fallen policeman.
Because of its worldwide renown and its large number of visitors, the Champs-Elysees has long been seen as a potential target, the BBC's Hugh Schofield reports from the French capital.
State of emergency 'to protect election'
'Telegram message'
Image copyright AFP Image caption Police patrolled the area with weapons drawn A car pulled up alongside a police bus just before 21:00 (19:00 GMT) and a man got out, opening fire with an automatic weapon at the bus, Mr Brandet said.
After killing an officer, he attempted to run away while shooting at other officers, two of whom he injured, the spokesman added.
He was then shot dead by security forces.
According to BFMTV news channel's sources, the killer was known to the security services and had talked of wanting to kill police officers on the Telegram messaging service.
Image copyright Reuters Image caption People could be seen walking towards police with arms raised to show their hands after the attack
A lone gunman opened fire before being killed as he fled the scene, police say. The Champs-Elysees was sealed off.
President Francois Hollande said that he was convinced the attack was "terrorist-related".
So-called Islamic State (IS) said that one of its "fighters" had carried out the attack.
Islamist militancy is a major issue in the polls after recent mass attacks claimed by IS, with 238 people killed in jihadist attacks in France since 2015, according to data from AFP news agency.
Several candidates in Sunday's presidential election have ended their campaigns early as a mark of respect, with the centre-right's François Fillon calling on others to halt theirs too.
"On the face of it, the officers were deliberately targeted," interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said.
Media captionEyewitness: "I heard two or three shots... then there was just panic all around." Mr Hollande said after crisis talks with his prime minister and interior minister that the security forces had the full support of the nation and a national tribute would be paid to the fallen policeman.
Because of its worldwide renown and its large number of visitors, the Champs-Elysees has long been seen as a potential target, the BBC's Hugh Schofield reports from the French capital.
State of emergency 'to protect election'
'Telegram message'
Image copyright AFP Image caption Police patrolled the area with weapons drawn A car pulled up alongside a police bus just before 21:00 (19:00 GMT) and a man got out, opening fire with an automatic weapon at the bus, Mr Brandet said.
After killing an officer, he attempted to run away while shooting at other officers, two of whom he injured, the spokesman added.
He was then shot dead by security forces.
According to BFMTV news channel's sources, the killer was known to the security services and had talked of wanting to kill police officers on the Telegram messaging service.
Image copyright Reuters Image caption People could be seen walking towards police with arms raised to show their hands after the attack