At least 80 people killed including children and injured dozens when a truck ploughed into a crowd watching Bastille Day fireworks in the southern French city of Nice, officials said.
The driver was shot dead and the police found guns and grenades inside the truck. President Francois Hollande alleged the attack was of a "terrorist nature". A state of emergency has been extended for three months across France.
The attack came eight months and a day after Islamic State gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people and wounded hundreds in Paris.
Mr Hollande said that, "France is badly hit." "We need to do everything we can to fight against" such attacks.
"All of France is under the threat of Islamic terrorism," he said, adding that "several children" were among those killed.
BBC news reported, One eyewitness said that, "Everyone was calling run, run, run there's an attack run, run, run. We heard some shots. We thought they were fireworks because it's the 14th of July.”
"There was great panic. We were running too because we didn't want to stick around and we went into a hotel to get to safety. "
"The police have completely taken over the city, the promenade has now been closed down. Everybody was physically pushed away from the site and told to get back in no uncertain terms by the police."
"I live 200m from the promenade and it took nearly one hour 30 minutes to get back to my flat because all the roads have been closed down."
The United States Prime minister condemns the attack and said that, it appears to be a “horrific terrorist attack.” “We have offered any assistance that they may need to investigate this attack and bring those responsible to justice. We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack."
“Appalled by the horrific attack in Nice. I strongly condemn such mindless acts of violence. My thoughts are with the families of deceased,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
“I hope the injured recover soon. India shares the pain & stands firmly with our French sisters & brothers in this hour of immense sadness,” he added.
European Council president Donald Tusk tweeted, “European and Asian leaders pay respect to victims of Nice attack. We stand united against violence and hatred.”
A local member of parliament, Eric Ciotti, said that, “It's a scene of horror.” The truck had “mown down several hundred people.”
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