French President Francois Hollande says the threat from Islamic State militants in Iraq & Syria is global and that the response must be global.

Speaking at the start of a conference in Paris to tackle the insurgency, he called for a co-ordinated response, which is likely to see an intensification of airstrikes.

“This conference has a single goal: to provide the political support needed to fight against a major threat called Islamic State which threatens Iraq, the Middle East and is a major risk for the whole world,” said Hollande.

He also said the murder of British aid worker David Haines was a frightening illustration of the threat.

Iraqi President Fuad Masum also appealed to the 30 countries attending for help in reunifying his country.

The talks are being held as the French military joins their British colleagues in launching surveillance flights over Iraq.

Several countries have offered to take part in air strikes on IS positions, a move welcomed by US Secretary of State John Kerry.