The attack took place on Thursday morning
Three people have been confirmed dead and more left injured after a suspected terrorist attack in Nice, France earlier today.
The attack took place at the Notre-Dame basilica in Nice this morning, and is believed to have been a mass stabbing. The perpetrator has been arrested and a major police operation is underway.
A tweet from the mayor of Nice appeared to suggest that the attack was terrorist in nature.
“I am on site with the [police] who arrested the perpetrator of the attack. I confirm that everything suggests a terrorist attack in the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice,” said Christian Estrosi.
Je suis sur place avec la @PoliceNat06 et la @pmdenice qui a interpellé l’auteur de l’attaque. Je confirme que tout laisse supposer à un attentat terroriste au sein de la basilique Notre-Dame de #Nice06. pic.twitter.com/VmpDqRwzB1
— Christian Estrosi (@cestrosi) October 29, 2020
Following the attack, a minute’s silence was held at the country’s National Assembly, where the country’s prime minister commented on the rise in terrorism in France.
“Without question this is a very serious new challenge that is striking our country,” said Jean Castex.
According to Sky News, the suspect – who is believed to have acted alone – is being treated in hospital having suffered injuries during the attack.
In July 2016, Nice was the location of one of France’s deadliest terror attacks in recent years, when 86 people were killed after a truck was driven by a 31-year-old man into crowds celebrating Bastille Day.