Roads in Paris region freeze over after heavy snowfall

Snow and ice have paralysed much of the region around the French capital Paris, stranding thousands of motorists and air passengers for the night.

Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux asked drivers to leave their vehicles at home after 11cm (4in) of snow fell on Paris, the most since 1987.

Air passengers spent the night at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport after flights were cancelled.

The traffic situation is expected to return to normal by Thursday afternoon.