Inside blood-stained offices of Charlie Hebdo

The bloodied floor and desks in the Charlie Hebdo newsroom. Photo / Australscope

Photos from the scene of France's worst terrorist attack in 50 years have been released, showing the devastation caused by jihadi brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi as they killed 12 people in what they claimed was an attack by al Qaeda.

The pair targeted the offices of Charlie Hebdo - a satirical magazine which was known for poking fun at politicians, public figures and different religions.

The magazine has caricatured the Prophet Mohammed three times in recent years, and in November 2011 was firebombed as a result - forcing the team to move to their present location.

Watch: Manhunt for brothers

Arriving at the offices near the Bastille, in central Paris, they stormed into the open plan building - having shot dead a security guard on their way in. They then forced Corrine Rey, an employee, to punch in her code to enter the door.

Once inside they asked for Charb, the editor and a cartoonist, by name before shooting him dead.

One of the photos, which we have published, show the terror of that moment, with papers strewn across the rooms and red blood stains on the wooden floor.

A bullet hole is visible in the wall, and more are seen in the windows. Survivors said they only saved themselves by cowering behind a desk.

The 12 victims were eight journalists; two police; a visitor and a maintenance worker. Among the journalists were four of France's most celebrated cartoonists.

The magazine's editorial team vowed to continue their work. They said the next edition, published on Wednesday, would be the largest yet. François Hollande, the French president, said that the state would provide a million euros in finding to keep the low-circulation, niche - but much loved - magazine alive.

- The Telegraph