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Nice attack: France mourns again after 84 killed in Bastille day atrocity – live Nice attack: France mourns after 84 killed in Bastille Day atrocity – live
(35 minutes later)
10.53am BST
10:53
France’s ambassador to London, Sylvie Bermann has just given a press conference on the steps of the French embassy.
“All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of the victims,” she said.
She thanked the UK government for its messages of solidarity and pointed out that the new foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, was at the embassy yesterday to celebrate Bastille day.
“The 14th of July is a very symbolic day. It is a symbol of liberté, egalité and fraternité. And I think that is what terrorists want to fight.”
She gave a telephone number for British people concerned about loved ones in Nice, as: 00 33 43 17 56 46.
Bermann added: “France is a strong country, it is resilient country, it is united country. We are determined to fight against terrorism. And we will be strong than terrorists.”
10.41am BST
10:41
French prosecutors are due to hold a press conference at 5pm local time.
#Nice Le procureur de Paris François Molins tiendra une conférence de presse à Nice à 17H00 (parquet) #AFP
Updated
at 10.51am BST
10.38am BST
10:38
Mark Tran
Nice had undertaken extensive preparations in case of a terror attack, an effort coordinated by the interior ministry, Le Monde reports.
A meeting took place on 5 February involving the local authorities of the Alpes-Maritimes department and the interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve. That was in preparation for the Nice carnival, the third largest in the world, after Rio and Venice, and the four Euro 16 football matches scheduled for Nice.
The carnival attended by about one million people posed the first big test. Around 400 local police and 1,400 members of the national security forces were deployed in the department. A simulation exercise took place on 8 March in readiness for the Euro 16 tournament. In case of a massive attack, the injured would be evacuated to hospitals in Cannes, Monaco as well as Nice and Marseille if needed.
All contingencies were planned for, including a nuclear attack, radiological, bacterological and chemical, bacteriological and chemical attack, François-Xavier Lauch, the sub-prefect of Alpes-Maritimes told Le Monde at the time. Particular attention was given to the possibility of an attack from the sea, which was the case in the assault against hotels in Bombay.
10.31am BST
10:31
Peter Beaumont
A massive police operation is under way to establish whether a 31-year-old French citizen of Tunisian origin acted alone or with accomplices in his attack on Bastille Day celebrations in Nice.
According to police sources and French media reports, the refrigerated truck used in the attack, which killed at least 84 people and injured hundreds more when it drove into crowds on the city’s Promenade des Anglais, was rented two days ago in nearby Saint-Laurent-du-Var.
The driver was shot dead in the truck after reportedly opening fire with a pistol on police who had surrounded the vehicle. Among items recovered from inside were an identity card, mobile phone and bank card, all linked to the driver.
He was formally identified by police on Friday morning as they launched a series of coordinated operations across the city.
The attacker, a 31-year-old Tunisian-born Frenchman who lived in Nice, was known to the police for common crimes – including violence – but not to the intelligence services, a police source said.
On Friday morning, police forensics officers were combing through the truck, which remained where it stopped, its front badly damaged and riddled with bullet holes, and its tyres burst.
Dramatic details emerged on Friday over how a member of the crowd celebrating Bastille Day on the seaside promenade had tried to stop the lorry just before the driver was shot dead.
“Someone in the crowd jumped on the lorry to try and stop it,” said Eroic Ciotti on Europe 1. “It was at that moment that the police were able to stop the terrorist. He had fired on the police without hitting them and on the person who tried to stop him.”
A witness called Nader told BFM television he had seen the whole attack from start to finish, and had initially thought the driver had lost control.
“He stopped just in front of me after he [crushed] a lot of people. I saw a guy in the street, we were trying to speak to the driver to get him to stop. He looked nervous. There was a girl under the car, he smashed her. The guy next to me pulled her out.”
Nader said he saw the driver pull out a gun and start shooting at police. “They killed him and his head was out the window.”
Updated
at 10.39am BST
10.16am BST10.16am BST
10:1610:16
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced he will be “reviewing our own safety measures” following the attack in Nice, PA reports. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has announced he will be reviewing safety measures in the UK capital following the attack in Nice, the Press Association reports.
He declared that the capital would “stand united” with France and insisted the “poisonous and twisted” terrorists would be defeated. He declared that London would “stand united” with France and insisted the “poisonous and twisted” terrorists would be defeated.
Speaking on a visit to Gatwick Airport, Khan said: “I will reassure all Londoners that today we will be reviewing our own safety measures in light of this attack and that I and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner will do everything possible to keep Londoners safe.” Speaking on a visit to Gatwick airport, Khan said: “I will reassure all Londoners that today we will be reviewing our own safety measures in light of this attack and that I and the Metropolitan police commissioner will do everything possible to keep Londoners safe.”
Updated
at 10.36am BST
10.15am BST10.15am BST
10:1510:15
Nice-Matin is reporting that police are carrying out a raid on the home of the driver in the Abattoirs area of Nice.Nice-Matin is reporting that police are carrying out a raid on the home of the driver in the Abattoirs area of Nice.
Une perquisition en cours au domicile du chauffeur dans le quartier des Abattoirs https://t.co/m0GJEUosT9 #AttentatNiceUne perquisition en cours au domicile du chauffeur dans le quartier des Abattoirs https://t.co/m0GJEUosT9 #AttentatNice
10.10am BST10.10am BST
10:1010:10
Two Americans have been named as among the 84 victims, according to unconfirmed reports. They were were Sean Copeland and his son Brodie, from Texas, a relative told BuzzFeed.Two Americans have been named as among the 84 victims, according to unconfirmed reports. They were were Sean Copeland and his son Brodie, from Texas, a relative told BuzzFeed.
Americans Sean Copeland and his son Brodie died in the #NiceFrance terrorist attack, a relative tells BuzzFeed News pic.twitter.com/qddMTFZmg6Americans Sean Copeland and his son Brodie died in the #NiceFrance terrorist attack, a relative tells BuzzFeed News pic.twitter.com/qddMTFZmg6
9.56am BST9.56am BST
09:5609:56
Here’s a video of what we know so far.Here’s a video of what we know so far.
9.56am BST9.56am BST
09:5609:56
Nice-Matin reports that 54 children were admitted to the Lenval hospital on Thursday night.Nice-Matin reports that 54 children were admitted to the Lenval hospital on Thursday night.
Selon nos informations, 54 enfants ont été admis à l'hôpital Lenval depuis jeudi soir https://t.co/yLZvIMAIvFSelon nos informations, 54 enfants ont été admis à l'hôpital Lenval depuis jeudi soir https://t.co/yLZvIMAIvF
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.00am BSTat 10.00am BST
9.46am BST9.46am BST
09:4609:46
Three days of national mourningThree days of national mourning
The French prime minister, Manuel Valls, says there will be three days of national mourning starting on Saturday. Speaking in Paris before heading to Nice, Valls said: “Terrorism is a threat that is weighing heavily on France.”The French prime minister, Manuel Valls, says there will be three days of national mourning starting on Saturday. Speaking in Paris before heading to Nice, Valls said: “Terrorism is a threat that is weighing heavily on France.”
According to a BBC translation, he said: “We are facing a war that terrorism has started against us. The objective of the terrorists is to instil fear and panic. France will not allow itself to be destabilised.”According to a BBC translation, he said: “We are facing a war that terrorism has started against us. The objective of the terrorists is to instil fear and panic. France will not allow itself to be destabilised.”
He added: “Times have changed and we should learn to live with terrorism. We have to show solidarity and collective calm. France has been hit in its soul on 14 July, our national day. They wanted to attack the unity of the French nation. The only dignified response is that France will remain loyal to the spirit of 14 July and its values.”He added: “Times have changed and we should learn to live with terrorism. We have to show solidarity and collective calm. France has been hit in its soul on 14 July, our national day. They wanted to attack the unity of the French nation. The only dignified response is that France will remain loyal to the spirit of 14 July and its values.”
The Paris prosecutor’s office is now in charge of the investigation, Valls added.The Paris prosecutor’s office is now in charge of the investigation, Valls added.
"Le président @fhollande a déclaré un deuil national pour les 16, 17 et 18 juillet. Les drapeaux seront mis en berne" @manuelvalls #Nice"Le président @fhollande a déclaré un deuil national pour les 16, 17 et 18 juillet. Les drapeaux seront mis en berne" @manuelvalls #Nice
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.02am BSTat 10.02am BST
9.33am BST9.33am BST
09:3309:33
A Downing Street spokesman said:A Downing Street spokesman said:
“The prime minister is being kept updated on reports coming in from Nice.“The prime minister is being kept updated on reports coming in from Nice.
“We are shocked and concerned by the scenes there. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration.“We are shocked and concerned by the scenes there. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration.
“The [Foreign Office] are in touch with the local authorities to seek more information and we stand ready to help any British nationals and to support our French partners.”“The [Foreign Office] are in touch with the local authorities to seek more information and we stand ready to help any British nationals and to support our French partners.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.03am BSTat 10.03am BST
9.31am BST9.31am BST
09:3109:31
One British citizen injuredOne British citizen injured
Britain’s new foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has confirmed that one British citizen was injured in the attack.Britain’s new foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has confirmed that one British citizen was injured in the attack.
Speaking to reporters outside his home, Johnson said the attack was “an absolutely appalling incident”.Speaking to reporters outside his home, Johnson said the attack was “an absolutely appalling incident”.
“I think there will be ministerial meetings later on today to discuss the implications for this country if any. I don’t at this time know any read across or implications for the UK.“I think there will be ministerial meetings later on today to discuss the implications for this country if any. I don’t at this time know any read across or implications for the UK.
“If this is a terrorist incident, as it appears to be, this represents a continuing threat, to us in the whole of Europe and we must meet it together.“If this is a terrorist incident, as it appears to be, this represents a continuing threat, to us in the whole of Europe and we must meet it together.
“The only information that I have is that there is one UK national who is injured.”“The only information that I have is that there is one UK national who is injured.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.03am BST at 10.34am BST
9.24am BST9.24am BST
09:2409:24
The Vatican has joined international condemnation of the attack.The Vatican has joined international condemnation of the attack.
Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said:Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said:
Throughout the night we have followed with great concern the terrible news from Nice. On behalf of Pope Francis, we join in solidarity with the suffering of the victims and of the entire French people this day that should have been a great holiday. We condemn in the strongest way every demonstration of senseless violence, of hatred, terrorism and any attack against peace.Throughout the night we have followed with great concern the terrible news from Nice. On behalf of Pope Francis, we join in solidarity with the suffering of the victims and of the entire French people this day that should have been a great holiday. We condemn in the strongest way every demonstration of senseless violence, of hatred, terrorism and any attack against peace.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.04am BSTat 10.04am BST
9.20am BST9.20am BST
09:2009:20
The latest stage of the Tour de France is going ahead today after a minute’s silence was held for the victims of the Nice attack.The latest stage of the Tour de France is going ahead today after a minute’s silence was held for the victims of the Nice attack.
Minute de silence au départ / Minute of silence at the start this morning #PrayForNice pic.twitter.com/FMihoxKNUZMinute de silence au départ / Minute of silence at the start this morning #PrayForNice pic.twitter.com/FMihoxKNUZ
The race director, Christian Prudhomme, told reporters that there would also be a minute’s silence at the end of today’s stage.The race director, Christian Prudhomme, told reporters that there would also be a minute’s silence at the end of today’s stage.
Prudhomme; 'the stage goes ahead, the Tour will continue in dignity, we will not give in to people who want to change our way of life'Prudhomme; 'the stage goes ahead, the Tour will continue in dignity, we will not give in to people who want to change our way of life'
Prudhomme visibly moved: minute's silence also at the finish with all the classification leadersPrudhomme visibly moved: minute's silence also at the finish with all the classification leaders
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.04am BSTat 10.04am BST
9.15am BST9.15am BST
09:1509:15
The seafront, usually packed with tourists setting up for a day at the beach in Nice, was tragically silent this morning, writes Sofia Fischer.The seafront, usually packed with tourists setting up for a day at the beach in Nice, was tragically silent this morning, writes Sofia Fischer.
Windows were shut tight and all cafes and convenience stores remained closed for the day, as residents remained inside their homes. The few who ventured outside to walk their dogs did so silently, sometimes hugging their neighbours as they met.Windows were shut tight and all cafes and convenience stores remained closed for the day, as residents remained inside their homes. The few who ventured outside to walk their dogs did so silently, sometimes hugging their neighbours as they met.
At every street corner, huddles of tourists sat on their luggage as the sun rose, waiting for taxis to take them to the airport. Among them was Julie Holland, a US citizen on holiday with her two daughters, who had booked flights back to Orlando. She said they were having dinner last night when the truck drove at full speed through the crowds on the esplanade.At every street corner, huddles of tourists sat on their luggage as the sun rose, waiting for taxis to take them to the airport. Among them was Julie Holland, a US citizen on holiday with her two daughters, who had booked flights back to Orlando. She said they were having dinner last night when the truck drove at full speed through the crowds on the esplanade.
“We heard screams, and people started running into the restaurant,” she said. “We hid in the kitchen, behind a stove.“We heard screams, and people started running into the restaurant,” she said. “We hid in the kitchen, behind a stove.
“As soon as the gunfire stopped we went through the back door to a hotel down the street. A policeman eventually escorted us back to our hotel at around 3am. There were bodies everywhere. My daughters saw bodies. Lots of them.”“As soon as the gunfire stopped we went through the back door to a hotel down the street. A policeman eventually escorted us back to our hotel at around 3am. There were bodies everywhere. My daughters saw bodies. Lots of them.”
Further down the road, Marc, the caretaker of a building near the seafront, was sitting on his porch, fighting back tears. He said was walking home after the fireworks when panic broke out on the esplanade. “There were people screaming, families, bodies everywhere.”Further down the road, Marc, the caretaker of a building near the seafront, was sitting on his porch, fighting back tears. He said was walking home after the fireworks when panic broke out on the esplanade. “There were people screaming, families, bodies everywhere.”
He nodded to a man pacing up and down the street, crying on the phone. “He was with his kids last night. They barely made it. He hasn’t hung up the phone since yesterday. He’s still trying to figure out what the hell happened.”He nodded to a man pacing up and down the street, crying on the phone. “He was with his kids last night. They barely made it. He hasn’t hung up the phone since yesterday. He’s still trying to figure out what the hell happened.”
The Promenade des Anglais has been cordoned off since the events. Police had been posted at every entry and forensic teams were examining the bodies. Behind the barricades, the debris of glass, fallen candyfloss stands and survival blankets lay as testimony to the chaos of the previous night.The Promenade des Anglais has been cordoned off since the events. Police had been posted at every entry and forensic teams were examining the bodies. Behind the barricades, the debris of glass, fallen candyfloss stands and survival blankets lay as testimony to the chaos of the previous night.
A man in a white blanket, haggard and dazed, limped down the street as neighbours tried to hold him up. “He’s lost his whole family,” said an elderly woman, crying behind her sunglasses.A man in a white blanket, haggard and dazed, limped down the street as neighbours tried to hold him up. “He’s lost his whole family,” said an elderly woman, crying behind her sunglasses.
An Italian man living in Nice, Marco Barsotti, who was watching the fireworks with his girlfriend on the beach the previous night, was pacing on the street hanging on to his phone.An Italian man living in Nice, Marco Barsotti, who was watching the fireworks with his girlfriend on the beach the previous night, was pacing on the street hanging on to his phone.
He said: “When the fireworks stopped, we climbed back up on to the street. All of a sudden, people started running everywhere, we saw the truck whizz past us, so we jumped back on to the beach to protect ourselves. People kept falling on our heads because they were running towards the sea and didn’t see the gap.”He said: “When the fireworks stopped, we climbed back up on to the street. All of a sudden, people started running everywhere, we saw the truck whizz past us, so we jumped back on to the beach to protect ourselves. People kept falling on our heads because they were running towards the sea and didn’t see the gap.”
It was only when the couple tried to cross the street back to their seafront apartment that they saw the carnage. “There was a dozen bodies around us.” Barsotti took out his phone and started filming; the timestamp reads 10.46pm.It was only when the couple tried to cross the street back to their seafront apartment that they saw the carnage. “There was a dozen bodies around us.” Barsotti took out his phone and started filming; the timestamp reads 10.46pm.
In front of the Mediterranean University Centre, where emergency psychological help was being offered to witnesses and victims with non life-threatening injuries, men and women sat smoking in silence.In front of the Mediterranean University Centre, where emergency psychological help was being offered to witnesses and victims with non life-threatening injuries, men and women sat smoking in silence.
A man was hitting his head against a barricade before a firefighter escorted him inside the building. Everywhere there were looks of shock, horror and consternation.A man was hitting his head against a barricade before a firefighter escorted him inside the building. Everywhere there were looks of shock, horror and consternation.
Paul, a seafront resident, said he watched families last night try to cross the street where bodies lay. “I saw a mother covering her child’s eyes, telling him to keep them tightly shut. The dad had a toddler in his arms and had buried his face in his T-shirt for him not to see anything.”Paul, a seafront resident, said he watched families last night try to cross the street where bodies lay. “I saw a mother covering her child’s eyes, telling him to keep them tightly shut. The dad had a toddler in his arms and had buried his face in his T-shirt for him not to see anything.”
Their upstairs neighbour Mary-Jeanne Theuma also witnessed the attack. “I left Algeria to flee this. It’s come back to haunt me,” she said.Their upstairs neighbour Mary-Jeanne Theuma also witnessed the attack. “I left Algeria to flee this. It’s come back to haunt me,” she said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.16am BSTat 10.16am BST
9.06am BST9.06am BST
09:0609:06
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Updated
at 10.24am BST