At least 84 people, including several children, have died after a terrorist drove a truck through crowds celebrating Bastille Day in Nice.
French President Francois Hollande said the state of emergency would be extended for another three months in the country and declared three days of national mourning.
As the world continues to piece together what happened, here is everything we know so far…
How the attack unfolded
A truck smashed into a crowd in the French resort of Nice, killing at least 84 people in what President Francois Hollande on Friday called a “terrorist” attack.
The driver, named by authorities as Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, barrelled the truck two kilometres (1.3 miles) through the crowd on the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, sending hundreds fleeing in terror and leaving the area strewn with bodies.
He then open fired on the crowd before the police shot him dead, according to regional president Christian Estrosi.
Bouhlel’s apartment was raided by police earlier today.
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Who is responsible
Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, a delivery driver and petty criminal, has been named by local media as the man responsible for the attack.
The Daily Mail reported he may have told police he was delivering ice cream before the attack in order to get on the promenade.
Bouhlel was identified by numerous media sources, after the local newspaper, Nice-Matin, named him, citing sources. Authorities have not confirmed the name
The perpetrator of Nice’s worst ever terror attack was reportedly a married father of three who neighbours described as a “loner” with a George Clooney haircut.
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Scots caught up in the terror
A Scottish couple have been reported missing following a terror attack.
Ross and Carole Annie Cowan were in the French Riviera on holiday and are believed to have been celebrating Bastille Day when the attack happened.
Mrs Cowan’s sister, Amy Stanton, from Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute, said her family have been unable to contact her sister and husband.
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How France responded
French President Francois Hollande said the whole country was “under threat from Islamic terrorism” and extended a state of emergency – implemented last November – for another three months.
“A fresh atrocity has has just been inflicted on France,” he said in a televised address.
“We will maintain a high level of vigilance, the state of emergency will be maintained for three months,” Mr Hollande added.
“Human rights are being denied by terrorists, France is clearly their target. The nature of terrorism cannot be denied. The perpetrator has been killed, we do not know whether he had any accomplices.”
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How world leaders have responded
- US President Barack Obama: “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.”
- Prime minister Theresa May: “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.”
- Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau: “Canadians are shocked by tonight’s attack in Nice. Our sympathy is with the victims, and our solidarity with the French people.”
- Pope Francis: Pope Francis says he is praying for the victims and has God to “convert the hearts of the violent blinded by hate.”
- Downing Street spokesman: “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.”
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Attack in the UK is “highly likely”, says Theresa May
People in Britain should not expect that attacks that have happened in Belgium, France and elsewhere could not come to the UK, the new Prime Minister said.
“The threat level here in the United Kingdom is already at severe – that means that a terrorist attack is highly likely,” the PM said.
“Senior officials today will be reviewing what more we can do to ascertain whether there is any further action we need to take.
“But our security services and our police are ever-vigilant and, as I say, the threat level here is already at a level which says that a terrorist attack is highly likely.”
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Advice from police
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, Police Scotland lead officer for Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism and Safer Communities, said: “Following the tragic events in Nice yesterday, Police Scotland has reviewed security and safety arrangements as a precautionary measure.
“This is something we would do as a matter of course after such events and it is not in relation to any specific information or intelligence.
“Police Scotland is committed to ensuring all communities across the country are as safe as they can be and I would ask the public, especially around crowded places and transport hubs, to remain vigilant and alert, but not alarmed. If you suspect something is wrong, then report it to the police.
“I would stress that there is no specific information which suggests Scotland is at risk of attack however the UK threat level remains at Severe and our communities are not immune from the threat of an attack.”
