Details emerge of suspect in Toulouse killings

More details are emerging of the man at the centre of a police siege in Toulouse this morning. He has been named locally as Mohammed Merah, 24, a Frenchman of Algerian origin.

The father of a man who lives above him has told us he knew Merah was "trouble". His son is currently stuck in the middle of the siege, "a terrifying situation", said his father.

Police have confirmed they tracked Merah down through an e-mail he is alleged to have sent to the victim of the first Toulouse shooting concerning the sale of a motorbike.

They have also suggested he took the motorscooter used at the scene of the school shooting on Monday to a garage near here. The garage staff then called the police.

There will inevitably be questions as to why this investigation has taken so long. The first victim was killed here 10 days ago.

Merah is understood to have surrendered a handgun to the police but still claims to be in possession of an uzi and kalashnikov.

The French Interior Minister says he believes Merah may surrender this afternoon.