A man is being questioned by police after an Irishman was stabbed to death in Paris in France.

John Dowling was attacked at about 12:00 local time on Wednesday outside the city's Pôle Universitaire Léonard de Vinci in the business district of La Défense.

The 66-year-old was an English language teacher at the private school and had worked there since 1999.

A 37-year-old man, who is a Pakistani citizen, has been detained.

The school said Mr Dowling was a much-loved teacher who showed great compassion and made himself available on a daily basis to his students.

It said it was profoundly shocked and saddened by his death and offered its sympathy to his family and friends.

Counselling support is being offered to all of those affected by his killing.

French Higher Education Minister Frédérique Vidal posted on Twitter that there was indignation at the killing.

Police have started an investigation into Mr Dowling's death.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and was providing consular assistance.