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Gun and truck terror attack leaves at least 80 dead in Nice: Bodies strewn across road after lorry drove for over a MILE through crowd watching holiday fireworks before gunman opens fire
- At least 80 people are dead and 50 have been injured in a Bastille Day attack in Nice, southern France
- Eyewitnesses reported a gunfight between police responding to the attack and suspects at the scene
- Witnesses said the driver crashed his truck into a group of people, jumped down and opened fire with a gun
- Thousands of people were in the city watching Bastille Day fireworks when the attack began
- US President Barack Obama condemned the massacre describing it as what appears to be 'a horrific terrorist attack
- Police confirmed identity documents belonging to a French Tunisian man, 31, from Nice were found in the truck
At least 80 people have been killed and more than 50 injured after a 25-tonne lorry mowed down crowds for more than a mile before the driver got out and sprayed fleeing revellers with bullets as terror struck Bastille Day celebrations on the French Riviera.
One eyewitness described seeing 'bodies flying like bowling pins' and 'hearing noises, cries that I will never forget' as the horror unfolded on a busy promenade in the southern city of Nice at around 11pm last night.
Identity documents belonging to a 31-year-old French Tunisian were later found in the bullet-riddled truck after the gunman at the wheel was shot dead by police, security sources said.
The source added: 'The identification of the truck driver is still underway.' The recovered papers indicate the man is a resident of Nice.
The truck driver was said to have shouted 'Allahu Akbar' – God is greatest – before being killed. Pro-ISIS groups have been celebrating the attack but as yet the terror group has not officially claimed responsibility.
A huge cache of guns, grenades and 'larger weapons' were later found inside the lorry, which mounted the pavement at approximately 40mph and steered directly towards hundreds of people watching a fireworks display. Around 100 people are then said to have dived into the sea as panic ensued and revellers desperately ran for their lives.
Anti-terror police swooped in as the city was put on lockdown and residents were warned to stay indoors for their safety.
Addressing the nation, French President Francois Hollande said several children were among the dead. He said it was 'undeniable' the massacre was a terrorist attack.
He said there were 80 victims dead, including children, with a further 20 people gravely wounded.
WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT
A truck ploughed through a large group of people in Nice during a suspected terrorist attack which claimed 'dozens of lives'
Horrific images depicting men and women lying on the side of a road close to the Promenade des Anglais
A child's doll lies on the street beside the body of a young girl who was killed in last night's attack in Nice in the south of France
French police riddled the truck with gunfire in an effort to kill the crazed driver of the truck which ran down hundreds of people
French President Francois Hollande addressed the nation this morning saying they were all grieving due to last night's massacre
Stunned survivors stood just feet away from from the bodies of five people who were run over next to HiBeach in Nice, pictured
Forensic officers tried to establish what exactly happened last night in an effort to determine whether the killer had any outside help
Eyewitnesses say there was an exchange of gunfire in the aftermath of the incident before the driver was shot dead. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to unconfirmed reports in the French media.
Guns and grenades were later said to have been found inside the truck, which mounted the pavement at approximately 40mph and steered directly towards hundreds of people watching a fireworks display.
Anti-terror police swooped in as the city was put on lockdown and residents were warned to stay indoors for their safety. Gunshots rang out in the streets, with gunmen targeting hotels and cafes in the port city in the south of France.
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One witness called Antoine said: 'We were at the Neptune beach and a firework display had just finished. That is when we saw a white lorry. It was going quickly at 60-70 kilometres an hour.'
The gunman jumped out of the truck after ploughing through the pedestrians and began opening fire, witnesses said. Officials said the driver was shot dead near the scene. A second suspect is thought to be on the run.
Eyewitness Wassim Bouhlel said that he saw a truck drive into the crowd and then witnessed the man emerge with a gun and start shooting.
'There was carnage on the road,' Bouhlel said. 'Bodies everywhere.'
Anti terrorist police have taken over the investigation into the attack according to the French interior ministry.
France's ambassador to the United States, Gerard Araud, said last night's incident was a 'terrorist attack'.
Addressing a Bastille Day reception in Washington, Araud said: 'Our democracies - France, the United States, our other partners , we are besieged, we face a terrible threat.'
As a result of last night's attack, France has extended the state of emergency in the country for a further three months.
At least 70 people were killed in the southern French town of Nice when a truck ran into a crowd and targeted people on the pavement
At least 70 people have been killed during a horrific Bastille Day attack in Nice, southern France
Stunned eyewitnesses prayed over the bodies of their friends and relatives who were killed in the Bastille Day massacre
The driver mounted the pavement at 40mph and steered directly at large groups of people watching the fireworks
Heavily armed soldiers occupied the centre of the town to restore control after the attack which claimed at least 50 lives
An air ambulance arrived at the scene, pictured, to take survivors of tonight's attack to hospital
Fireworks were filling the night sky as the drama unfolded, as the crowds enjoyed July 14th, which is always a Bank Holiday in France
Australian tourists Marcus and Sally-Anne Freeman were in Nice for Bastille Day and took pictures before the massacre took place
Thousands of people stood on the beach waiting for the fireworks display to celebrate the storming of the Bastille
The attack happened in the Promenade des Anglais in Nice in the South of France while victims were watching a firework display
French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, back row, second left, held crisis meetings in Nice in the aftermath of the terrorist attack
Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet gave an update on the rapidly developing situation. He said: 'There is no hostage-taking. An individual drove a truck into the crowd. He was killed by police.
'Investigations are currently under way to establish if the individual acted alone or if he had accomplices who might have fled.'
Local politician Eric Ciotti said: 'It's a scene of horror.' He confirmed the truck mowed down 'several hundred people'.
He said the truck drove for more than a mile hitting people along the promenade.
Mr Ciotti confirmed the driver was killed by police 'apparently after an exchange of gunfire'.
The truck was riddled with at least 40 bullet holes. The front of the vehicle was badly damaged while the front tyres had been shot out.
The Paris prosecutor's office opened an investigation for 'murder, attempted murder in an organised group linked to a terrorist enterprise'.
The probe is being handled by France's intelligence agency and judicial police.
A spokesman for the Alpes Maritime prefecture advised locals to 'stay indoors' as gunfire was heard, and a lorry was driven into a crowd on the Promenade des Anglais.
Eyewitnesses said there were 'bodies everywhere' with scores wounded, at least 20 of them 'gravely'.
The truck driver crashed his vehicle and jumped out and started shooting.
Police are also searching for a possible accomplice.
At this stage, police are describing the incident as 'a major criminal attack'.
Sebastian Humbert, prefect for the Alpes - Martime area said: 'A truck rammed into the crowd over a long distance, which explains this extremely heavy toll.'
FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE ADDRESSED THE FRENCH PEOPLE HOURS AFTER THE MASSACRE
In an emotional speech, President Hollande said: 'Last night a lorry hit a crowd of people in Nice with the intention of killing.
'At the time i speak there are 77 victims, of which many are children.
'Once again we have seen extreme violence and it is obvious we must do everything to fight against this terrorism.
'The driver was shot and killed. We are investigating whether he was linked to any others.
French President Francois Hollande said it was undeniable that last night's attack was a terrorist atrocity
'France has been hit on its national day, the 14th of July.
'I want to express my solidarity with the nation, which is now in mourning. I have instructed all regional hospitals to be prepared for an influx of injured.
'Under these circumstances we must display caution. and we must work together but we must during this busy weekend show care and attention for security.
'I will once again mention our highest military operation of security which allow the mobilisation of 10,000 military officers across the country.
'This will cover all brigades of the police, who will be called from across the country, to the Nice region to assist their comrades
'We will also pay much attention to tightening borders and I will now announce that the state of emergency which was meant to be lifted will be extended a further three months.
'Following this we will show real force and military action in Iraq and Syria.
'Our defence department will hold a meeting later this morning. Followng this meeting I will travel with the prime minsiter to Nice later today.
'France has been hit by tragedy once again.
This monstrosity of using a lorry to deliberately kill people, many people, who only came out to celebrate their national day.
'France is in tears, it is hurting but it is strong and she will be stronger - always stronger than the fanatics who wish to hurt us.'
The killer drove for more than a mile along the promenade in Nice, pictured, 'knocking people down like skittles' according to witnesses
Witnesses caught the moment the truck mounted the pavement on video as it steered towards a large group of revelers
Bodies were strewn over more than 100 metres along the promenade in Nice in the South of France
Police have deployed armed checkpoints across the city in an effort to find any suspected attackers
Police officers and armed soldiers stood guard as the city was put on lockdown as several dozen people were killed in the attack
People leaving the area were ordered to hold their hands up as they evacuated the scene near the sea front in Nice last night
Shocked survivors held each other after witnessing the massacre which killed more than 70 people injuring at least 150 others
Emergency services laid out camp beds for survivors in civic buildings and hotels across Nice according to the City's mayor
He said the driver has been shot dead by police. They are currently hunting for a second attacker, according to reports.
French media reports said that as well as the dead, a further 15 people were critically injured and dozens more wounded.
Nice prosecutor Jean-Michel Prette said bodies were strewn about along the road.
The Gendarmerie Nationale tweeted: 'Emergency operation in progress. Keep calm and avoid downtown area. Follow the official accounts to be informed.'
Bodies could be seen lying on the floor by the beach, as the police and other emergency services tried to deal with a mass panic.
British holidaymaker Esther Serwah, 59, was staying in a hotel a short walk from the scene.
She said she had been on her way to the Promenade des Anglais for dinner with her daughters when people started screaming at her.
Mrs Serwah, from Surrey, said: 'I was just walking to the Promenade and then I saw everybody running and I just didn't know what was going on.
'People were screaming at me in French but I didn't understand.
'Some people were lying on the streets dead and people were running over the bodies.
'Everybody was saying it's a terrorist attack. It's just horrible, horrible, horrible.
'I'm in shock. I'm still shaking.'
European Council president Donald Tusk said Europe stands united with the French people in the battle against violence and hatred, while Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders both described the attack as 'barbaric'.
Soldiers secured the scene while emergency workers treated the wounded and checked on those killed in yesterday's massacre
Local businesses were used as triage centres to treat those who were not badly injured in last night's terrorist massacre
Within an hour of the attack, French authorities had handed over the investigation to anti-terrorist police
The Hotel Negresco was used as a make-shift triage centre to house survivors of last night's terrorist attack
At least 15 people are believed to be in a critical condition following last night's terrorist attack in Nice
US President Barack Obama has condemned what appears to be 'a horrific terrorist attack' and has directed his officials to provide any assistance required by the French government.
He said: 'On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians.
'We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack.
'We know that the character of the French Republic will endure long after this devastating and tragic loss of life.
'On this Bastille Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world.'
His Secretary of State John Kerry added: 'The horrendous attack in Nice is an attack against innocent people on a day that celebrates Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
'On behalf of all Americans, and especially the great many with close ties to France, I offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who were killed and our hopes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
'I was proud to stand alongside French leaders earlier today at Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, and the United States will continue to stand firmly with the French people during this time of tragedy. We will provide whatever support is needed.
'Our embassy in Paris is making every effort to account for the welfare of U.S. citizens in Nice. Any U.S. citizens in Nice should contact friends and family directly to inform them of their well being.'
A massive security operation was launched in the aftermath of the deadly massacre with survivors evacuated with their hands up
Emergency services took badly wounded survivors away from the scene in a fleet of ambulances to nearby hospitals for treatment
Specialist forensic officers began searching the killer's truck which had been riddled by bullets during last night's terrible massacre
The front of the truck was badly damaged after it knocked down dozens of people enjoying an evening by the sea front
More than 150 people were injured during the massacre which took place as locals and tourists celebrated Bastille Day
Survivors desperately searched for their friends and relatives who may be among the dead and wounded following the attack
A man holding a small girl carried the traumatised youngster away from the scene of the massacre in Nice, southern France
French anti-terrorist police have taken over the investigation with US President Barack Obama promising his assistance
Thousands of people were on the promenade in Nice last night watching fireworks when the deadly attack was launched
According to the White House: 'The president has been apprised of the situation in Nice, France, and his national security team will update him, as appropriate.'
French President Francois Hollande is heading to the Interior Ministry's crisis centre.
Police shot and killed the driver, who drove at high speed for over 100 yards along the famed Promenade des Anglais seafront before hitting the mass of spectators, regional sub-prefect Sebastien Humbert told France Info radio.
Humbert described it as a clear criminal attack, although the driver was not yet identified. Residents of the Mediterranean city close to the Italian border were advised to stay indoors. There was no sign of any other attack.
British Prime Minister Theresa May is being kept up to date on the 'terrible incident' in Nice, a Downing Street spokesman said Friday.
'Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration,' the spokesman said.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'We are deeply concerned about reports of an incident in Nice and are in touch with the local authorities to seek more information.
'Our thoughts are with those affected and we stand by to help any British nationals.'
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy tweeted: 'Deep emotion and infinite sadness at the Nice attack. Solidarity with the Nicois and the inhabitants of the Alpes-Maritimes.'
French President Francios Holland, centre, and Prime Minister Manuel Valls, left, held crisis talks in the aftermath of the attack
President Hollande, pictured, was updated on the massacre as he flew to the crisis nerve centre last night with PM Manuel Valls, right
Officials said the truck mounted the pavement and steered directly towards pedestrians who were out in the city watching fireworks
Across the city, hundreds of people hid and locked themselves in cafes and bars to protect themselves from possible attack
Fireworks were filling the night sky as the drama unfolded, as the crowds enjoyed July 14th, which is always a Bank Holiday in France.
'It is absolute chaos,' said an eye witness who works in the Nice judiciary. 'There are reports of dozens of people killed, and many more injured. Bodies are lying everywhere.
'Police are flooding the streets, including anti-terrorism officers. Nobody knows what to do, except to hide away. Gunmen are meant to be targeting hotels.'
The lorry was seen mounting the pavement and piling into anyone the driver could see, ramming over those who tried to run away.
Regional newspaper Nice Matin quoted its own reporter at the scene saying there were many injured people and blood on the street. It published a photograph of a damaged, long-distance delivery truck, which it said was 'riddled with bullets' and images of emergency services treating the injured.
Damien Allemand, the paper's correspondent, was quoted as saying: 'People are running. It's panic. He rode up onto the Prom and piled into the crowd ... There are people covered in blood. There must be many injured.'
He said the attack began just as the fireworks display ended as thousands of people were milling around the waterside.
He added: 'A fraction of a second later, an enormous white truck came along at a crazy speed, turning the wheel to mow down the maximum number of people,' he said. I saw bodies flying like bowling pins along its route. Heard noises, cries that I will never forget.'
The area around the Promenade is full of hotels and restaurants, which that were all packed at the height of the holiday season.
France is still under a State of Emergency following last year's attacks on Paris, when almost 150 people were murdered by ISIS and Al-Qaeda operatives.
Both groups are well known for driving vehicles into innocent people, prompting fears that tonight's incident could be linked to their activities.
Bastille Day, which celebrates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris during the French Revolution of 1789, is the country's biggest public holiday.
The truck rammed into the crowd on the Promenade des Anglais seaside walk in the centre of town, regional newspaper Nice Matin reported, citing its own reporter at the scene.
French television channel BFM TV said the local prefecture in Nice was treating the incident as an attack and was asking people to stay at home.
Eyewitnesses reported there were exchanges of gunfire between police and suspected terrorists in Nice, southern France
People ran for their lives as the truck ploughed through the group of people in Nice, southern France
The Mayor of Nice has already admitted that 'dozens of people' have been killed in tonight's attack
Nice mayor Christian Estrosi said: 'The latest toll from this terrible attack has risen to 77 dead.'
He said: 'This is the worst Nice drama of history. We are terrified and we want to present to all the families our sincere condolences.'
He said flags in the city would be flown at half-mast, while a concert by US superstar Rhianna and the popular jazz festival have both been cancelled.
Horrific images depicting men and women lying on the side of a road close to the Promenade des Anglais appeared on social media.
Several people have been injured as videos emerged showing people fleeing in panic. The crash itself was not shown however.
Fireworks were filling the night sky as the drama unfolded, as the crowds enjoyed July 14th, which is always a Bank Holiday in France.
France has been repeatedly targeted in recent months, but it is not yet known whether the incident is terror related.
The country is still under a State of Emergency following last year's attacks on Paris, when almost 150 people were murdered by ISIS and Al-Qaeda operatives.
Several people have been injured as videos emerged showing people fleeing in panic
Emergency services helped wounded survivors into a fleet of ambulances to evacuate them from the scene for treatment
Regional newspaper Nice Matin quoted its own reporter at the scene saying there were many injured people and blood on the street. It published a photograph of a damaged, long-distance delivery truck, which it said was 'riddled with bullets' and images of emergency services treating the injured.
Damien Allemand, the paper's correspondent, was quoted as saying: 'People are running. It's panic. He rode up onto the Prom and piled into the crowd ... There are people covered in blood. There must be many injured.'
Colin Srivastava told BBC News: 'We were basically sitting just in front of the Old Town in Nice and saw several hundred people running towards us looking panic stricken.
'We tried to ask a few of them what the hell was going on and finally got one that said, 'You need to go, the police have told us to run'.
'Just around about the base of the hill where the castle is in Nice the police came running along and said, 'Run now'.
'We had absolutely no idea what was going on, to be honest with you.
'When we got down into the port in Nice we were told by a few people who'd obviously run faster than we had that there was the story of a lorry that had gone into the people, basically cannoned into the crowd, and there were also shots fired, which is something we didn't hear about until just now on French news.'
Meanwhile, in Paris, a fire broke out near the Eiffel Tower, however authorities said this incident was not suspicious.
There were also separate reports of a possible fire near the Eiffel Tower in Paris this evening according to witnesses
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3691019/Several-people-injured-truck-crashes-crowd-Bastille-Day-celebrations-Nice.html#ixzz4ERZDhc98
