Lorry attack in Nice

At least 84 people have been killed - several of them children - after a lorry driver ploughed into crowds celebrating France's national Bastille Day in Nice.

French President Francois Hollande has described the attack as a "terrorist crime".

Northern Ireland tourists in the popular holiday destination in the south of France have described the chaos and confusion as the attack unfolded.

Live updates

Irish Foreign Affairs department 'no longer concerned' over Irish citizen

The Irish foreign ministry say there is no longer concern over a man, thought to have been caught up in the Nice attack which killed 84 people.

They had previously said they were 'very concerned' for his welfare.

Officials say the "vast majority" of Irish citizens in Nice had been accounted for and were safe and well.

They continue to try and make contact with a small number of individuals, but say there is no reason to believe they were caught up in the attack.

Advertisement

Belfast City Hall lights up in tribute to Nice victims

Belfast City Hall has been bathed in the colours of the French flag in tribute to those killed in Nice.

Politicians across Northern Ireland have expressed their condolences to the many people killed in the terror attack.

Hollande: About 50 in critical condition after attack

The French president said about 50 people are 'between life and death'. Credit: RTV

French President Francois Hollande said about 50 people are "between life and death" after the Nice attack.

He said: "As I'm speaking, 80 people are dead, 84 people to be precise, and there are some 50 people in a critical condition, between life and death.

"Among these victims, there are French, there are also a lot of foreigners from all continents and there are many children, young children.

"They came to see fireworks with their families, to be happy, to share in something joyous, something dazzling and were struck - struck dead to satisfy the cruelty of an individual, and maybe a group."

He added that the battle against terrorism will be long because the enemy will continue to attack Western values.

He made the comments on Friday after he was briefed, alongside Prime Minister Manuel Valls, on the situation by police and military representatives in Nice.

NI woman describes fleeing Nice promenade with children

Another Northern Ireland tourist caught up in the Nice lorry attack, has described running from the promenade along with her young children.

Ballyclare woman Zoe Tisdale said it was a scene of utter panic.

Advertisement

NI family’s fateful decision not to attend fireworks in Nice

A property developer from Belfast has said he and his family avoided the horrific lorry attack in Nice due to his children's decision not to attend the Bastille Day fireworks display.

Suneil Sharma is in Nice with his partner and sons aged 11 and 15 as well as his sister and her family.

He was at a restaurant on the promenade when the lorry driver drove into the crowds on the streets.

“I was at the Negresco on the front of the Promenade des Anglais. We were there for dinner, my children were with their aunt, they were coming to join us literally within half an hour to see the firework display,” he explained.

Suneil Sharma pictured. Credit: Presseye

As we were just finishing off our meal the pandemonium broke out, people were throwing themselves over a little glass partition, over hedges, jumping over seats, people were running up and down the street.

– Suneil Sharma

“We just didn’t know what had happened to be honest with you, we heard the firework display had just finished and we were very fortunate in that our boys had been ordering a pizza and got delayed and decided then not to come down and meet us,” he continued.

“We just didn’t know what was going on, it just happened so suddenly. One minute people were having a great time, celebrating the iconic French holiday of Bastille Day, the next minute it was pandemonium. We were just shocked.

“Within minutes the hotel was locked down, nobody could leave, the police arrived and we were in the hotel for over two and a half hours.”

“Slowly but surely we heard information about the vehicle killing innocent people and families out to celebrate Bastille Day, so it was horrific,” Mr Sharma added.

“We were very lucky because we had planned to be there in front of the hotel, but simply ordering a pizza meant we were lucky we weren’t involved in that.”

Mr Sharma said his thoughts were with the families of the victims.

NI team send messages of support to Nice

Northern Ireland’s footballers have been sending messages of support to the people of Nice in the wake of the deadly Bastille Day attack.

The national team and thousands of supporters had been over in the southern French city just weeks ago to take part in Euro 2016.

As news of the tragedy broke, NI captain Steven Davis took to Twitter to show solidarity with those affected.

NI leaders extend sympathy and support to French people

The First and Deputy First Ministers have expressed their support for the people of France. Credit: Pacemaker

First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have issued a joint statement on the attack in Nice.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones or have been seriously injured in this vicious attack. Many of our football supporters enjoyed attending the European Championships in France in recent weeks and the scene of devastation and pain this morning are in stark contrast to the carnival atmosphere and warmth people from across Europe enjoyed. The people who carried out this attack want to create fear and division. Their actions have resulted in the loss of many lives of people of different nationalities. Their acts are futile and will serve only to strengthen our resolve and determination that democratic means are the only way forward.

– Arlene Foster & Martin McGuinness
Load more updates Back to top

Latest ITV News reports