84 people dead as truck crashes into crowds at Bastille Day celebrations in Nice
French authorities have confirmed that at least 84 people are dead after a lorry was driven into a crowd in the French city of Nice in a suspected terrorist attack during Bastille Day celebrations last night.
At least 100 were injured, with another 18 in a critical condition, after the incident on the Promenade des Anglais following a fireworks display.
French news agency AFP reported police had found identity papers belonging to a 31-year-old French-Tunisian man in the truck, alongside a gun.
Sky News said witnesses saw the driver emerge from the vehicle, shooting. He was later shot dead by police.
French President Francois Hollande extended France's state of emergency by a further three months. In a statement last night, he said the attack was "of undeniable terrorist nature".
In a tweet he added: "France is bereaved, afflicted, but she is strong and will always be stronger than the fanatics who want to strike her today".
La France est éplorée, affligée, mais elle est forte et le sera toujours plus que les fanatiques qui veulent aujourd’hui la frapper. #Nice
— François Hollande (@fhollande) July 15, 2016
British journalists in Nice described a "significant police and military presence" in the area and "lots of sirens and people running".
Am in Nice. But safe and in flat with a family. No idea what is going on but lots of sirens and people running.
— Isabel Hardman (@IsabelHardman) July 14, 2016