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Nice attack: France mourns after 84 killed in Bastille Day atrocity – latest news Nice attack: France mourns after 84 killed in Bastille Day atrocity – latest news
(35 minutes later)
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Suspect named
The police have named the suspect as 31-year-old Franco-Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, after his identity papers were found in the truck, AFP reports.
Neighbours portrayed him as a solitary figure who rarely spoke and did not even return greetings when their paths crossed in the four-storey block, located in a working-class neighbourhood of Nice.
Sebastien, a neighbour who spoke on condition that his full name was not used, said Lahouaiej-Bouhlel did not seem overtly religious, often dressed in shorts and sometimes wore work boots.
He had a van parked nearby and owned a bike, which he brought up into his first-floor apartment.
Of those who were interviewed, only one, a neighbour on the ground floor, said she had had any concerns about him - he was “a good-looking man who kept giving my two daughters the eye.”
Police investigators and forensic experts entered his apartment around 9.30am (0730 GMT) with an armed police intervention unit in support, and brought out bags of material later.
A source close to the investigation said an “inactive” grenade was found inside the vehicle, as well as “several fake rifles.”
“Investigations are currently underway to establish if the individual acted alone or if he had accomplices who might have fled,” interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said.
L'appartement du terroriste présumé de Nice passé au peigne fin ce matin pic.twitter.com/n6Qp15NmIA
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Small number of British citizens injuredSmall number of British citizens injured
Rowena MasonRowena Mason
A small number of British nationals have been injured in the Nice attack, Downing Street has said.A small number of British nationals have been injured in the Nice attack, Downing Street has said.
Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, said earlier that one UK citizen was hurt but the government is now aware of more than one casualty. It was confirmed after an emergency Cobra meeting of officials, which took place on Friday morning involving staff from the intelligence agencies, Foreign Office, Home Office, Ministry of Defence, Met Police, Department for Transport and the British Embassy in Paris. Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, said earlier that one UK citizen was hurt but the government is now aware of more than one casualty. It was confirmed after an emergency Cobra meeting of officials, which took place on Friday morning involving staff from the intelligence agencies, Foreign Office, Home Office, Ministry of Defence, Met police, Department for Transport and the British embassy in Paris.
A UK consular team of eight, including the British ambassador, has already been sent to Nice and further four are on their way. Britain has offered investigative support and to continue close cooperation on intelligence.A UK consular team of eight, including the British ambassador, has already been sent to Nice and further four are on their way. Britain has offered investigative support and to continue close cooperation on intelligence.
After the Cobra meeting, No 10 confirmed the threat level to the UK remains at severe and police are reviewing security around large public events due to take place this summer.After the Cobra meeting, No 10 confirmed the threat level to the UK remains at severe and police are reviewing security around large public events due to take place this summer.
“It is the prudent, cautious, right thing to do in this situation,” May’s official spokeswoman said.“It is the prudent, cautious, right thing to do in this situation,” May’s official spokeswoman said.
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Here’s video of Theresa May making her statement:Here’s video of Theresa May making her statement:
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Mark TranMark Tran
One of the victims has been named as Fatima Charrihi. Her son, Hamza, told l’Express magazine: “She wore the veil, followed a moderate Islam. Real Islam. Not that of the terrorists.”One of the victims has been named as Fatima Charrihi. Her son, Hamza, told l’Express magazine: “She wore the veil, followed a moderate Islam. Real Islam. Not that of the terrorists.”
Hamza and his father were at the Mediterranean University Centre, transformed into one of the refuge centres for relatives of the victims. Fatima Charrihi had died a few hours before.Hamza and his father were at the Mediterranean University Centre, transformed into one of the refuge centres for relatives of the victims. Fatima Charrihi had died a few hours before.
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Here is a map of last night’s attacksHere is a map of last night’s attacks
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Security at major British events to be reviewedSecurity at major British events to be reviewed
The National Police Chief’s Council has ordered a security review of all major events in Britain over the next seven days.The National Police Chief’s Council has ordered a security review of all major events in Britain over the next seven days.
In a statement Neil Basu, National Operational Lead for Protect and Prepare, said: “As I have following previous terrorist incidents, today I have asked all forces to review major events over the next seven days to ensure the appropriate security is in place.”In a statement Neil Basu, National Operational Lead for Protect and Prepare, said: “As I have following previous terrorist incidents, today I have asked all forces to review major events over the next seven days to ensure the appropriate security is in place.”
It added: “Our counter terrorism officers will do whatever we can to support our French counterparts in the days and weeks that follow as the investigation unfolds.It added: “Our counter terrorism officers will do whatever we can to support our French counterparts in the days and weeks that follow as the investigation unfolds.
“UK policing continues to operate at a heightened state against the backdrop of a severe threat level - that level has been in place since 2014.“UK policing continues to operate at a heightened state against the backdrop of a severe threat level - that level has been in place since 2014.
“Our policing tactics and security measures are constantly reviewed and we, along with our partners, are working around the clock to keep our cities as safe as can be.”“Our policing tactics and security measures are constantly reviewed and we, along with our partners, are working around the clock to keep our cities as safe as can be.”
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Jason BurkeJason Burke
The use of a truck as a weapon is new, writes Jason Burke.The use of a truck as a weapon is new, writes Jason Burke.
French authorities – like counterparts around the world – have learned that the most lethal attacks in their country have been perpetrated by individuals or networks with connections to outside organisations.French authorities – like counterparts around the world – have learned that the most lethal attacks in their country have been perpetrated by individuals or networks with connections to outside organisations.
Mohamed Merah, who killed seven in a shooting spree in 2012, was initially described as a lone wolf but found to be connected to a breakaway al-Qaida faction. Those who attacked Charlie Hebdo magazine last year had a tenuous link to al-Qaida in Yemen. The more recent strikes, including those in November last year and in Belgium in March, involved a well-established network linked to Isis.Mohamed Merah, who killed seven in a shooting spree in 2012, was initially described as a lone wolf but found to be connected to a breakaway al-Qaida faction. Those who attacked Charlie Hebdo magazine last year had a tenuous link to al-Qaida in Yemen. The more recent strikes, including those in November last year and in Belgium in March, involved a well-established network linked to Isis.
Even now, amid the terrible grief and chaos of the aftermath of this latest tragedy, security services in France, around Europe and beyond will have the clinical work of tracing out the killer’s background and connections well under way.Even now, amid the terrible grief and chaos of the aftermath of this latest tragedy, security services in France, around Europe and beyond will have the clinical work of tracing out the killer’s background and connections well under way.
Related: France attack: use of truck in Nice demonstrates evolving nature of threatRelated: France attack: use of truck in Nice demonstrates evolving nature of threat
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Mark TranMark Tran
AFP has spoken to several neighbours of the suspected driver. They describe him as solitary and quiet, who always took his bike up to his apartment.AFP has spoken to several neighbours of the suspected driver. They describe him as solitary and quiet, who always took his bike up to his apartment.
One neighbour said he did not seem to be a religious person and often wore shorts. A family in the four-story building said he never returned their greetings.One neighbour said he did not seem to be a religious person and often wore shorts. A family in the four-story building said he never returned their greetings.
One woman on the ground floor was suspicious of him because of the way he stared at her two daughters. Police were searching the man’s apartment.One woman on the ground floor was suspicious of him because of the way he stared at her two daughters. Police were searching the man’s apartment.
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Germany has joined Italy in tightening its borders with France.Germany has joined Italy in tightening its borders with France.
Germany’s federal police said: “In coordination with the French security authorities the federal police are strengthening their control in the area of cross-border traffic into France.”Germany’s federal police said: “In coordination with the French security authorities the federal police are strengthening their control in the area of cross-border traffic into France.”
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Rachel ObordoRachel Obordo
Fifty-eight-year-old Tim Baker is just one of many donating blood to help the victims of yesterday’s attack. “By the time the EFS’ (the French National Blood Service) Nice office opened at 9.30am this morning, there were already over a hundred people queuing,” he said.Fifty-eight-year-old Tim Baker is just one of many donating blood to help the victims of yesterday’s attack. “By the time the EFS’ (the French National Blood Service) Nice office opened at 9.30am this morning, there were already over a hundred people queuing,” he said.
“There were nearly 400 by the time it was announced that blood supplies for all the victims were assured for the short term. With so many trying to donate we were asked to return in the coming weeks.”“There were nearly 400 by the time it was announced that blood supplies for all the victims were assured for the short term. With so many trying to donate we were asked to return in the coming weeks.”
A dual Australian and French citizen, Baker used to run the consular services section at the Australian embassy in Paris before moving to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, just outside Nice. “I’ve been waiting for over two hours and I think I might have another 45 minutes more to wait. My son spent last night checking on the welfare of his friends. All but two have been accounted for thus far.A dual Australian and French citizen, Baker used to run the consular services section at the Australian embassy in Paris before moving to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, just outside Nice. “I’ve been waiting for over two hours and I think I might have another 45 minutes more to wait. My son spent last night checking on the welfare of his friends. All but two have been accounted for thus far.
“For anyone asking what a typical blood donor looks like in Nice, they just need to look at those walking along the streets of this diverse port city. Every age group, income level and race is present. If France is to combat both terrorism and the calls of the extreme right, it will need to rely on the diversity and solidarity of its citizens.”“For anyone asking what a typical blood donor looks like in Nice, they just need to look at those walking along the streets of this diverse port city. Every age group, income level and race is present. If France is to combat both terrorism and the calls of the extreme right, it will need to rely on the diversity and solidarity of its citizens.”
If you are in Nice you can share your witness accounts, photos and videos or news tips direct with our journalists by clicking on the ‘Contribute’ button in the live blog.If you are in Nice you can share your witness accounts, photos and videos or news tips direct with our journalists by clicking on the ‘Contribute’ button in the live blog.
You can also fill in our form or contact us on WhatsApp on +447867825056.You can also fill in our form or contact us on WhatsApp on +447867825056.
Please think about your security first though when recording and sharing your content.Please think about your security first though when recording and sharing your content.
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The Guardian has horrific mobile phone footage of the attack.The Guardian has horrific mobile phone footage of the attack.
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French president François Hollande has arrived in Nice where he is about to hold a meeting with security officials. The French prime minister, Manuel Valls, and interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve are also at the meeting.French president François Hollande has arrived in Nice where he is about to hold a meeting with security officials. The French prime minister, Manuel Valls, and interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve are also at the meeting.
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Ian BlackIan Black
The Nice attacks have been condemned, by religious and political leaders across the Muslim and Arab world on Arabic-language and English social media.The Nice attacks have been condemned, by religious and political leaders across the Muslim and Arab world on Arabic-language and English social media.
Egypt’s Grand Mufti lambasted “saboteurs who follow Satan (who will) be damned in this life & in the hereafter.”Egypt’s Grand Mufti lambasted “saboteurs who follow Satan (who will) be damned in this life & in the hereafter.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by the popular Saudi cleric, Sheikh Salman al-Auda, who said the killer would be cursed by “god, his angels and all human beings.” His remarks came after many comments on social media attacked Muslims.Similar sentiments were expressed by the popular Saudi cleric, Sheikh Salman al-Auda, who said the killer would be cursed by “god, his angels and all human beings.” His remarks came after many comments on social media attacked Muslims.
Egypt’s Al-Azhar university, Sunni Islam’s leading centre of learning, said that the “vile terrorist attack” contradicted Islam and called for “uniting efforts to defeat terrorism and rid the world of its evil.”Egypt’s Al-Azhar university, Sunni Islam’s leading centre of learning, said that the “vile terrorist attack” contradicted Islam and called for “uniting efforts to defeat terrorism and rid the world of its evil.”
Tunisia said that the attacker, who police said held joint French-Tunisian citizenship, had committed an act of “extreme cowardice” and expressed solidarity with France against the “scourge of terrorism”.Tunisia said that the attacker, who police said held joint French-Tunisian citizenship, had committed an act of “extreme cowardice” and expressed solidarity with France against the “scourge of terrorism”.
Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours issued a joint statement saying that they “strongly” condemned the “terrorist” act in Nice. “The Gulf Cooperation Council states stand in solidarity with the French republic following this cowardly criminal incident whose perpetrators have been stripped of all moral and human values,” the bloc’s secretary general, Abdullatif al-Zayani, said.Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours issued a joint statement saying that they “strongly” condemned the “terrorist” act in Nice. “The Gulf Cooperation Council states stand in solidarity with the French republic following this cowardly criminal incident whose perpetrators have been stripped of all moral and human values,” the bloc’s secretary general, Abdullatif al-Zayani, said.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi condemned “in the strongest terms the vile terrorist attack”, his office said.Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi condemned “in the strongest terms the vile terrorist attack”, his office said.
Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit denounced the “craven terrorist attack”, according to his spokesman.Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit denounced the “craven terrorist attack”, according to his spokesman.
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Here’s the full text of Theresa May’s statement:Here’s the full text of Theresa May’s statement:
“I am shocked and saddened by the horrifying attack in Nice last night. Our hearts go out to the French people and to all those who’ve lost loved ones or been injured.“I am shocked and saddened by the horrifying attack in Nice last night. Our hearts go out to the French people and to all those who’ve lost loved ones or been injured.
“While the full picture is still emerging, it seems that at least 80 people are feared dead and many others have been injured. These were innocent victims enjoying a national celebration with their friends and families.“While the full picture is still emerging, it seems that at least 80 people are feared dead and many others have been injured. These were innocent victims enjoying a national celebration with their friends and families.
“We are working urgently to establish whether any British nationals were caught up in the attack. Our ambassador is travelling to Nice today with consular staff and they will be doing all they can to help anyone affected.“We are working urgently to establish whether any British nationals were caught up in the attack. Our ambassador is travelling to Nice today with consular staff and they will be doing all they can to help anyone affected.
“I have asked my deputy national security adviser to chair a Cobra meeting of senior officials, to review what we know and what we can do to help, and I will speak to President Hollande today and make clear that the United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with France today, as we have done so often in the past.“I have asked my deputy national security adviser to chair a Cobra meeting of senior officials, to review what we know and what we can do to help, and I will speak to President Hollande today and make clear that the United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with France today, as we have done so often in the past.
“If, as we fear, this was a terrorist attack, then we must redouble our efforts to defeat these brutal murderers who want to destroy our way of life. We must work with France and our partners around the world to stand up for our values and for our freedom.”“If, as we fear, this was a terrorist attack, then we must redouble our efforts to defeat these brutal murderers who want to destroy our way of life. We must work with France and our partners around the world to stand up for our values and for our freedom.”
I am shocked and saddened by the horrifying attack in Nice last night. Our hearts go out to the French people: https://t.co/xd0arcO72RI am shocked and saddened by the horrifying attack in Nice last night. Our hearts go out to the French people: https://t.co/xd0arcO72R
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The Front National leader, Marine le Pen, has used the attack to score political points against the French government’s response to terrorism.The Front National leader, Marine le Pen, has used the attack to score political points against the French government’s response to terrorism.
Speaking to Le Figaro, she said:Speaking to Le Figaro, she said:
“Nothing that we have proposed has been put in place. Considering the new nature of terrorism, which is now a terrorism of opportunity, that’s to say without hierarchical structure, the urgency is to attack the ideology on which this terrorism is based.“Nothing that we have proposed has been put in place. Considering the new nature of terrorism, which is now a terrorism of opportunity, that’s to say without hierarchical structure, the urgency is to attack the ideology on which this terrorism is based.
“And in this space, nothing has been done, absolutely nothing – no reintroduction of double punishment, nor depriving people of nationality, nor the closure of Salafist mosques … nor the banning of certain organisations. In truth, we are not at war. For the moment, we are in a war of words.”“And in this space, nothing has been done, absolutely nothing – no reintroduction of double punishment, nor depriving people of nationality, nor the closure of Salafist mosques … nor the banning of certain organisations. In truth, we are not at war. For the moment, we are in a war of words.”
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Holly WattHolly Watt
A label on the side of the truck suggests it was hired from Via Location.A label on the side of the truck suggests it was hired from Via Location.
An employee for the company said she could not discuss the matter, citing an instruction from the interior ministry.An employee for the company said she could not discuss the matter, citing an instruction from the interior ministry.
“We can give you no information,” she said. “The ministry of the interior has barred us … asked us not to give any information on the vehicle or the driver. So I am sorry, but I can’t answer your questions.”“We can give you no information,” she said. “The ministry of the interior has barred us … asked us not to give any information on the vehicle or the driver. So I am sorry, but I can’t answer your questions.”
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The French prime minister, Manuel Valls, and interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, have arrived in Nice. They are about to greet President François Hollande at the airport.The French prime minister, Manuel Valls, and interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, have arrived in Nice. They are about to greet President François Hollande at the airport.
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