The two candidates for the French presidency, Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, are attending a ceremony in Paris in honour of the policeman shot dead on the Champs Elysées last week, as stated by BBC. 

It is the first time the top two candidates in Sunday's first round of voting have appeared together publicly.

Xavier Jugelé, 37, was killed by convicted criminal Karim Cheurfi.

Current President François Hollande called for unity in the "long and difficult fight against terrorism".

"Once again France has lost one of its bravest sons. Once again the Republic has lost one of its most valuable guardians," he said.

The issue of security sharply divides the presidential candidates.

Ms le Pen wants France to reintroduce border controls and deport all foreigners on a terror watchlist.