The governor of the US state of Alabama says his state will refuse Syrian refugees following the Paris terror attacks.

Robert Bentley says he came to the decision "after full consideration of this weekend's attacks of terror on innocent citizens".

In a statement on his website, Govenor Bentley said: "I will oppose any attempt to relocate Syrian refugees to Alabama through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program".

"As your Governor, I will not stand complicit to a policy that places the citizens of Alabama in harm's way".

Alabama currently has one US refugee processing centre in Mobile.

There have been no Syrian refugees relocated in Alabama to date, though neighbouring states have processed a number of refugees.

"The acts of terror committed over the weekend are a tragic reminder to the world that evil exists and takes the form of terrorists who seek to destroy the basic freedoms we will always fight to preserve".

"I will not place Alabamians at even the slightest, possible risk of an attack on our people. Please continue to join me in praying for those who have suffered loss and for those who will never allow freedom to fade at the hands of terrorists," Governor Bentley added.

The statement also says that law enforcement presence has been increased at major gathering events in Alabama.