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French factory attack: suspect killed and arrests made – live updates French factory attack: suspect killed and arrests made – live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.27pm BST13:27
According, again, to the Dauphiné Libéré newspaper, the decapitated victim has been identified as the manager of a transport company based in Chassieu, about 20 miles from the attack. He was attacked at the Air Products factory after coming for a delivery, the paper said, not naming the victim.
1.17pm BST13:17
In 2012 a man named Yassine Salhi, the believed identity of the attacker in custody, was reported to have hurled anti-semitic abuse at a Jewish teenager on a train travelling from Toulouse to Lyon. According to the report on the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA_website, Salhi and another man, both of North African descent, also exchanged blows with the teenager. The JTA report said that the case was being investigated by French prosecutors. It is unclear if it ever went to court.
1.12pm BST13:12
Summary
Here’s a summary of what we know so far:
Updated at 1.17pm BST
12.55pm BST12:5512.55pm BST12:55
Peter WalkerPeter Walker
According to the Dauphiné Libéré newspaper a second suspect has been arrested, at his home in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier.According to the Dauphiné Libéré newspaper a second suspect has been arrested, at his home in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier.
He is believed to be a man seen driving around near the factory in a Ford car before the attack, a suspected reconnaissance attempt, the paper said.He is believed to be a man seen driving around near the factory in a Ford car before the attack, a suspected reconnaissance attempt, the paper said.
12.50pm BST12:5012.50pm BST12:50
The arrested suspect Yacinne Sali, is a 35-year-old, who was in “in contact with a salafist movement”, Cazeneuve’s statement said.The arrested suspect Yacinne Sali, is a 35-year-old, who was in “in contact with a salafist movement”, Cazeneuve’s statement said.
He was described as living in the Lyon area at Saint-Priest. “He had been noted for his radicalisation, but was not known to have any links to terrorist figures,” Cazeneuve added.He was described as living in the Lyon area at Saint-Priest. “He had been noted for his radicalisation, but was not known to have any links to terrorist figures,” Cazeneuve added.
12.48pm BST12:4812.48pm BST12:48
Here’s the full statement from Air Products the owners of the factory that was attacked:Here’s the full statement from Air Products the owners of the factory that was attacked:
We can confirm that an incident occurred at our facility in L’Isle-d’Abeau, France this morning.We can confirm that an incident occurred at our facility in L’Isle-d’Abeau, France this morning.
Our priority at this stage is to take care of our employees, who have been evacuated from the site and all accounted for.Our priority at this stage is to take care of our employees, who have been evacuated from the site and all accounted for.
Emergency services are on site and have contained the situation. The site is secure. Our crisis and emergency response teams have been activated and are working closely with all relevant authorities.Emergency services are on site and have contained the situation. The site is secure. Our crisis and emergency response teams have been activated and are working closely with all relevant authorities.
Further information will be released as soon as it becomes available.Further information will be released as soon as it becomes available.
12.46pm BST12:4612.46pm BST12:46
Angelique ChrisafisAngelique Chrisafis
Angelique Chrisafis gauges the immediate political reaction in Paris.Angelique Chrisafis gauges the immediate political reaction in Paris.
The French political class, still reeling from the bloody terrorist attacks on the magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Paris Kosher supermarket nearly six months ago, has for months been engaged in heated debate on surveillance powers and national security.The French political class, still reeling from the bloody terrorist attacks on the magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Paris Kosher supermarket nearly six months ago, has for months been engaged in heated debate on surveillance powers and national security.
Both the right and left had been stressing the ongoing terrorist threat and the country’s security services had been on high-alert. Today’s attack on the factory in Isère brought immediate political reaction, with all parties stressing France should not give in to fear.Both the right and left had been stressing the ongoing terrorist threat and the country’s security services had been on high-alert. Today’s attack on the factory in Isère brought immediate political reaction, with all parties stressing France should not give in to fear.
On the right, Alain Juppé, a former prime minister from Nicolas Sarkozy’s right-wing Les Républicains, who is challenging Sarkozy to be 2017 presidential candidate, tweeted “The terrorist threat is at maximum. The Isere attacks is alas a reminder. The state must do everything to protect its citizens.”On the right, Alain Juppé, a former prime minister from Nicolas Sarkozy’s right-wing Les Républicains, who is challenging Sarkozy to be 2017 presidential candidate, tweeted “The terrorist threat is at maximum. The Isere attacks is alas a reminder. The state must do everything to protect its citizens.”
La menace terroriste est maximum. L'attentat en Isère nous le rappelle hélas! L'Etat doit tout mettre en œuvre pour protéger ses citoyens.La menace terroriste est maximum. L'attentat en Isère nous le rappelle hélas! L'Etat doit tout mettre en œuvre pour protéger ses citoyens.
Sarkozy later issued a statement saying “The Republic will never give in to terrorist barbarism.”Sarkozy later issued a statement saying “The Republic will never give in to terrorist barbarism.”
The Socialist party leader Jean-Christophe Cambadélis tweeted his “great emotion” after the attack and the way in which it happened. He said “Let’s stay united”, “We must not play on fears.”The Socialist party leader Jean-Christophe Cambadélis tweeted his “great emotion” after the attack and the way in which it happened. He said “Let’s stay united”, “We must not play on fears.”
Grande émotion devant cet attentat et son mode opératoire. Restons unis. Pas d'amalgames. Ne jouons pas sur les peurs. #IsèreGrande émotion devant cet attentat et son mode opératoire. Restons unis. Pas d'amalgames. Ne jouons pas sur les peurs. #Isère
The far-right Front National leader Marine Le Pen immediately demanded “strong measures” to “combat islamism”.The far-right Front National leader Marine Le Pen immediately demanded “strong measures” to “combat islamism”.
12.39pm BST12:3912.39pm BST12:39
The identity of the arrested suspect is still to be verified, but he is thought to be Yassine Sali, Cazeneuve confirmed.The identity of the arrested suspect is still to be verified, but he is thought to be Yassine Sali, Cazeneuve confirmed.
“This person was under investigation for radicalisation but this investigation was not renewed in 2008. He had no police record,” the minister said.“This person was under investigation for radicalisation but this investigation was not renewed in 2008. He had no police record,” the minister said.
Cazeneuve praised the courage of the firefighter who killed the other suspect.Cazeneuve praised the courage of the firefighter who killed the other suspect.
12.30pm BST12:3012.30pm BST12:30
The arrested suspect was “under the radar” of the security services, Cazeneuve says. Flags were found at the scene, he confirms.The arrested suspect was “under the radar” of the security services, Cazeneuve says. Flags were found at the scene, he confirms.
Various spellings are being given for the name of the arrested man.Various spellings are being given for the name of the arrested man.
French interior minister @bCazeneuve names suspect in #Isere attack as Yacine Sali -known to police. Was on security watch list.French interior minister @bCazeneuve names suspect in #Isere attack as Yacine Sali -known to police. Was on security watch list.
Cazeneuve said the police opened a file on the arrested man in 2006, over suspected links with a radical Salafist group. The surveillance was stopped in 2008, he added.Cazeneuve said the police opened a file on the arrested man in 2006, over suspected links with a radical Salafist group. The surveillance was stopped in 2008, he added.
12.19pm BST12:1912.19pm BST12:19
One attacker killedOne attacker killed
French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve is making a statement at the scene. An anti terrorist investigation is under way, he says. He names the arrested suspect as Yassine Salim.French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve is making a statement at the scene. An anti terrorist investigation is under way, he says. He names the arrested suspect as Yassine Salim.
The other suspect was killed in the attack by a firefighter.The other suspect was killed in the attack by a firefighter.
Updated at 12.21pm BSTUpdated at 12.21pm BST
12.15pm BST12:1512.15pm BST12:15
Here’s Hollande’s statement at the EU summit in Brussels.Here’s Hollande’s statement at the EU summit in Brussels.
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All of the employees at the factory have been accounted for, according to a statement from Air Products.All of the employees at the factory have been accounted for, according to a statement from Air Products.
Meanwhile, the French interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, has been meeeting members of the emergency services at the scene.Meanwhile, the French interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, has been meeeting members of the emergency services at the scene.
#Isère @BCazeneuve à St-Quentin Fallavier avec les personnels de secours présents sur le site l'attaque terroriste pic.twitter.com/fW10YPUV7t#Isère @BCazeneuve à St-Quentin Fallavier avec les personnels de secours présents sur le site l'attaque terroriste pic.twitter.com/fW10YPUV7t
Updated at 12.21pm BSTUpdated at 12.21pm BST
12.03pm BST12:0312.03pm BST12:03
Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
The factory where the attack took place is owned by Air Products, a US company, headquartered in Pennsylvania, writes Haroon Siddique.The factory where the attack took place is owned by Air Products, a US company, headquartered in Pennsylvania, writes Haroon Siddique.
The company supplies gases, chemicals and equipment for products ranging from TVs and mobile phones to sports cars and running shoes.The company supplies gases, chemicals and equipment for products ranging from TVs and mobile phones to sports cars and running shoes.
Air Products was founded in 1940 and has grown to be the 276th largest company in the US with $10.4bn of global sales last year. It employs more than 20,000 people in 50 countries. Its French subsidiary was created in 1990 and it employs 400 people in the country across a number of sites. It is the third largest producer of atmospheric gases in France, with more than 15% of national production.Air Products was founded in 1940 and has grown to be the 276th largest company in the US with $10.4bn of global sales last year. It employs more than 20,000 people in 50 countries. Its French subsidiary was created in 1990 and it employs 400 people in the country across a number of sites. It is the third largest producer of atmospheric gases in France, with more than 15% of national production.
Updated at 12.22pm BSTUpdated at 12.22pm BST
12.00pm BST12:0012.00pm BST12:00
In his statement, Hollande confirmed that the attack happened just before 10am local time when two suspects drove into the factory. He said they attacked the factory “using gas canisters”.In his statement, Hollande confirmed that the attack happened just before 10am local time when two suspects drove into the factory. He said they attacked the factory “using gas canisters”.
Here’s a translation of what he said:Here’s a translation of what he said:
We have no doubt the attack was intended to blow up the building. The attack bears the hallmarks of a terrorist attack. A decapitated body was found with inscriptions written on it. There was one dead and two injured. The interior minister went to the scene immediately. The suspect who carried out this attack was arrested and identified.”We have no doubt the attack was intended to blow up the building. The attack bears the hallmarks of a terrorist attack. A decapitated body was found with inscriptions written on it. There was one dead and two injured. The interior minister went to the scene immediately. The suspect who carried out this attack was arrested and identified.”
He did not give any details about the second attacker.He did not give any details about the second attacker.
Updated at 12.23pm BSTUpdated at 12.23pm BST
11.50am BST11:5011.50am BST11:50
Speaking in Brussels, Hollande says fellow European leaders have all expressed their solidarity with France after the attacks. He confirms he is due to head back to Paris after his statement.Speaking in Brussels, Hollande says fellow European leaders have all expressed their solidarity with France after the attacks. He confirms he is due to head back to Paris after his statement.
Updated at 11.56am BSTUpdated at 11.56am BST
11.48am BST11:4811.48am BST11:48
Hollande says two attackers drove into the factory. “The attack bears the hallmarks of a terrorist attack,” he said. He confirms that a body was found at the scene with inscriptions on it. Two others were injured. The attackers were trying to blow up the plant, Hollande said.Hollande says two attackers drove into the factory. “The attack bears the hallmarks of a terrorist attack,” he said. He confirms that a body was found at the scene with inscriptions on it. Two others were injured. The attackers were trying to blow up the plant, Hollande said.
One person was arrested and had been identified, he said.One person was arrested and had been identified, he said.
Updated at 12.24pm BSTUpdated at 12.24pm BST
11.46am BST11:4611.46am BST11:46
Hollande will return home early from the EU summit, an official has confirmed to AFP.Hollande will return home early from the EU summit, an official has confirmed to AFP.
“He will return early this afternoon and is in constant contact with interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve and the security services,” the official said, adding that he would make a statement to the press in Brussels.“He will return early this afternoon and is in constant contact with interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve and the security services,” the official said, adding that he would make a statement to the press in Brussels.
“The president saw the first images of the attack on the 24-hour news channels with German chancellor Angela Merkel beside him, who was visibly shocked,” an official added.“The president saw the first images of the attack on the 24-hour news channels with German chancellor Angela Merkel beside him, who was visibly shocked,” an official added.
Updated at 12.24pm BSTUpdated at 12.24pm BST
11.44am BST11:4411.44am BST11:44
Officials in France have suggested that the head had been brought to the scene, according to reports in the French media.Officials in France have suggested that the head had been brought to the scene, according to reports in the French media.
ÉDITION SPÉCIALE | "Des élus avancent l'hypothèse que la personne décapitée ait pu être amenée sur les lieux" Gérard Fourgeaud, Bleu IsèreÉDITION SPÉCIALE | "Des élus avancent l'hypothèse que la personne décapitée ait pu être amenée sur les lieux" Gérard Fourgeaud, Bleu Isère
Updated at 11.46am BSTUpdated at 11.46am BST
11.39am BST11:3911.39am BST11:39
Peter WalkerPeter Walker
A live blog about the incident on the website of the local newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré has several snippets of information, mainly from unidentified sources, writes Peter Walker.A live blog about the incident on the website of the local newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré has several snippets of information, mainly from unidentified sources, writes Peter Walker.
The blog says the severed head found at the scene was on a fence near the factory, and had Arabic writing on it. The blog quotes security sources as saying “all the signals were on red for a possible attack of this type”.The blog says the severed head found at the scene was on a fence near the factory, and had Arabic writing on it. The blog quotes security sources as saying “all the signals were on red for a possible attack of this type”.
Updated at 11.49am BSTUpdated at 11.49am BST
11.36am BST11:3611.36am BST11:36
Here is an aerial view of the scene.Here is an aerial view of the scene.
Updated at 11.48am BSTUpdated at 11.48am BST
11.32am BST11:3211.32am BST11:32
David Cameron has condemned the attack as “appalling” and expressed his sympathies to Hollande, PA reports.David Cameron has condemned the attack as “appalling” and expressed his sympathies to Hollande, PA reports.
#Breaking David Cameron has expressed sympathies to Francois Hollande over the "appalling" terror attack near Grenoble, Downing St said#Breaking David Cameron has expressed sympathies to Francois Hollande over the "appalling" terror attack near Grenoble, Downing St said
11.28am BST11:2811.28am BST11:28
Here is a map of the scene.Here is a map of the scene.
Updated at 11.40am BSTUpdated at 11.40am BST
11.26am BST11:2611.26am BST11:26
Hollande is due to make a statement in Brussels. You can follow it here:Hollande is due to make a statement in Brussels. You can follow it here:
Updated at 11.26am BSTUpdated at 11.26am BST
11.21am BST11:2111.21am BST11:21
President François Hollande is to make an early exit from the EU summit in Brussels following the attack, according to unconfirmed reports.President François Hollande is to make an early exit from the EU summit in Brussels following the attack, according to unconfirmed reports.
Reports French President Hollande leaving Brussels to return to Paris after beheading near Lyon #FranceReports French President Hollande leaving Brussels to return to Paris after beheading near Lyon #France
Meanwhile, interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, who was already in the area, is reported to have arrived at the scene.Meanwhile, interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, who was already in the area, is reported to have arrived at the scene.
#Attentat #Isere : les journalistes attendent Bernard Cazeneuve d'ici une 10aine de minutes pour une déclaration pic.twitter.com/JbsrHnJ5Oz#Attentat #Isere : les journalistes attendent Bernard Cazeneuve d'ici une 10aine de minutes pour une déclaration pic.twitter.com/JbsrHnJ5Oz
Updated at 11.32am BSTUpdated at 11.32am BST
11.13am BST11:1311.13am BST11:13
Terrorism investigation openedTerrorism investigation opened
The French authorities have opened a terrorism investigation following the attack, AP reports. It said two attackers were involved, citing officials.The French authorities have opened a terrorism investigation following the attack, AP reports. It said two attackers were involved, citing officials.
Two French officials said the attack began mid-morning when two men crashed a car into the entrance of a gas factory in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier in south-eastern France, hitting gas canisters and touching off an explosion.Two French officials said the attack began mid-morning when two men crashed a car into the entrance of a gas factory in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier in south-eastern France, hitting gas canisters and touching off an explosion.
One of the attackers was arrested, they said. It was unclear what happened to the other attacker.One of the attackers was arrested, they said. It was unclear what happened to the other attacker.
In a statement, France’s anti-terror prosecutor said an investigation was opened into the attack, which he said was carried out by “a terrorist group”.In a statement, France’s anti-terror prosecutor said an investigation was opened into the attack, which he said was carried out by “a terrorist group”.
Updated at 11.16am BSTUpdated at 11.16am BST
11.04am BST11:0411.04am BST11:04
Police sources have told AFP that the severed head was covered with Arabic writing.Police sources have told AFP that the severed head was covered with Arabic writing.
The suspect entered the factory and set off several small explosive devices, the source said.The suspect entered the factory and set off several small explosive devices, the source said.
Police said it was unclear whether the attacker was acting alone, or had accomplices.Police said it was unclear whether the attacker was acting alone, or had accomplices.
“According to the initial findings of the inquiry, one or several individuals on board a vehicle drove into the factory. An explosion then took place,” said one of the sources.“According to the initial findings of the inquiry, one or several individuals on board a vehicle drove into the factory. An explosion then took place,” said one of the sources.
“The decapitated body of a person was found nearby the factory but we do not yet know whether the body was transported to the place or not,” added this source, adding that a “flag with Arabic writing on it was found at the scene”.“The decapitated body of a person was found nearby the factory but we do not yet know whether the body was transported to the place or not,” added this source, adding that a “flag with Arabic writing on it was found at the scene”.
A man thought to be the person who carried out the attack has been arrested, according to sources close to the inquiry, who said he was known to the security services.A man thought to be the person who carried out the attack has been arrested, according to sources close to the inquiry, who said he was known to the security services.
French prime minister Manuel Valls ordered increased security measures at all sensitive sites in the area.French prime minister Manuel Valls ordered increased security measures at all sensitive sites in the area.
Updated at 12.26pm BSTUpdated at 12.26pm BST
11.00am BST11:0011.00am BST11:00
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Welcome to live updates on the aftermath of an apparent Islamist attack at a factory near Lyon in south-east France, where a decapitated body was found.Welcome to live updates on the aftermath of an apparent Islamist attack at a factory near Lyon in south-east France, where a decapitated body was found.
Here’s what we know so far:Here’s what we know so far:
Updated at 12.27pm BSTUpdated at 12.27pm BST