Local student honours victims in Paris

Kelsey O'Dea. Photo / Supplied

Tauranga's Kelsey O'Dea has paid her respects to those killed in the terrorists attacks in Paris.

The 21-year-old was in the French national football stadium on Saturday when one set of the attacks happened and described the sound that followed "like a cannon going off". Ms O'Dea had gone to the Stade de France with a Canadian friend.

Yesterday, she told the Bay of Plenty Times the night of the attacks was "crazy and really scary".

"We didn't know if we were running for our lives or ... it was the scariest feeling."

In the 24 hours since the attacks, she has paid her respects by laying flowers as part of a public memorial to those who had lost their lives in the attacks.

"It was very emotional," she said.

"It was quite touching to see the number of people who were there showing their support and everyone coming together, which was nice to see.

"It was quite hard to go there and do that but my friends and I are quite glad we did."

Ms O'Dea said Paris was quieter than usual but people were still going about their usual business.

"I think it's a sign of strength and solidarity to carry on as you normally would."

Living about 5km from where the attacks were centred, Ms O'Dea said she felt safe. "I don't feel unsafe, I think everyone feels a little anxious but I feel okay."

A minute of silence would be held at her university, Paris Institute of Political Studies, known as Sciences Po, tomorrow at midday local time.

Ms O'Dea has been in France since the end of August and will finish her exchange from Victoria University mid-December.