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Bastille Day lorry attacker had help, say police

People leave tributes to the dead and wounded after the attack Credit: Reuters

The terrorist who drove a lorry through crowds celebrating Bastille Day in Nice had plotted the deadly attack for months and was aided by at least one accomplice, police in Paris said today.

Prosecutor Francois Molins said information from driver Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel's phone showed searches and photographs indicating he had been studying for a possible attack since 2015.

Five suspects are also facing preliminary terrorism charges for allegedly helping Bouhlel, his office added.

The investigation underway since the night of July 14 has progressed and not only confirmed the murderous premeditated nature of Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel's act but also established that he benefited from support and complicity.

– Francois Molins

The claims contradict previous reports that Bouhlel was self-radicalised very quickly.

He was shot dead by police as he attempted to exit his lorry armed with a gun after killing 84 people and wounding many others.