Nice attack leaves three dead
The attack which took place shortly after 9am inside the Basilica in central Nice has left three people dead, two women and a man as well as several injured.
The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office says that the perpetrator was seriously injured by the police and during the attack repeatedly shouted "Allah Akbar".
A security perimeter has been installed around the Catholic place of worship and demining is also underway. Security and rescue forces are present.
The Mayor of Nice said that the two people who died inside the Basilica were killed in the most "horrible" way possible, "similar to professor" Samuel Paty. The third victim took refuge in a nearby bar, where she succumbed to her injuries.
A crisis unit has been set up by France’s Interior Ministry," and Prime Minister Jean Castex interrupted his presentation of the lockdown measures to the National Assembly. President Emmanuel Macron and the Interior Minister will be arriving in Nice later today.
According to the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi, a local resident alerted the emergency services to the attack on Notre-Dame basilica, using a security terminal installed near the church.
All the churches in Nice have been put under surveillance and closed after the knife attack at the Notre-Dame basilica.
The area has been cordoned off and Residents have been evacuated in the area and the tram network has stopped running.
France under a “Light lockdown” - A “light lockdown” has been announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in the fight against Covid-19 in France.
There have been conflicting reports on when the new lockdown will come into effect with some French media outlets saying it is from this evening at midnight and other saying it’s from Friday 30th October at midnight. The Head of State did specify in his speech last night that the new measures would come into force from midnight tonight. This is expected to be clarified by the Prime Minister later today.
The President indicated in his speech on Wednesday evening that it was necessary to "go further" than the curfew of October 17th in order to bring the number of Covid-19 cases down.
Nurseries, schools, colleges and high schools are to remain open. In addition, teleworking is to be favoured "wherever possible".
Unlike the first lockdown, visits to nursing homes and retirement homes will be authorized, in compliance with barrier gestures and health measures.
For exceptional travelers or French people living abroad, anyone who arrives on French territory will be tested.
The “light lockdown” involves staying at home as much as possible. You will need a certificate for any outing and will have a have a valid reason: going to work, shopping, going to the doctor, helping a loved one, or taking a short walk not exceeding an hour from home.
Public gatherings are banned, and all businesses defined as "non-essential" will have to close including bars and restaurants. For those employees and employers who cannot work will continue to benefit from partial unemployment.
Travelling between regions is banned, as is travel abroad, with some exceptions.
Further details concerning the new “light lockdown” are to be given by the Prime Minister, Jean Castex, today at 6.30pm during a press conference.
Monaco - Meanwhile it is not yet known what, if any measures, will be introduced in Monaco with Monegasque authorities expected to make an announcement this afternoon.
17 cases of Covid-19 have been declared in the Principality on Wednesday bringing the total number of residents affected by coronavirus to 337. Eight people are currently hospitalized and 74 people are being followed by the Home Monitoring Centre.
Hearing into Nice Attack postponed - The hearing for civil parties in the Nice attack has been postponed until December 11th. The hearing was scheduled to take place in Nice today.
Judge Chantal Russo was for the first time, since the opening of the case investigating the security system on the evening of the July 14th 2016 attack, was due to meet with the “Promenade des Anges” civil party represented by several members of its board of directors.
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