Nice attack as it happened: Truck drives into crowd in Bastille Day celebrations killing at least 84

That concludes IBTimes UK's live coverage of the Nice terror attack. For the latest updates visit IBTimes UK.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest says that Barack Obama has called French President Francois Hollande to "relay his condolences to the people of France on behalf of the American people".

Earnest said it was not known whther the attacker had received instructions from others, and there were no claims of responsibility so far.

He says the secretary of defense and the office of the director of national intelligence succeeded in working with the French to create a better "information-sharing relationship".

"Information sharing among European countries needs to be enhanced," he goes continues, and says it will help to preserve US security.

The Saudi Press Agency is reporting that the kingdom's highest religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, has codemned the attack in Nice.

In a statement, the body said "Islam magnifies the sanctity of human blood and criminalizes terrorism that kills and terrorizes innocent people in their homes, markets and facilities teeming with men, women and children, and that all humanity rejects and condemns it."

CNN has verified that the man pictured on this identity card is attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, 31.

Footage has emerged allegedly showing the truck used in last night's attack being towed away by French authorities.

Tunisia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that two males and a female national were killed in the attack.T hey are named as Olfa Bint al Suwayeh Khalafallah, born 1985; Bilal Labaoui, born 1987 and Muhammad ben Abdul Qadr al Toukebri, born 1958.

Here is footage of tributes left at the French embassy in London this morning.

Countries around the world have been paying tribute to the victims of the Nice attack.

The Houses of Parliament will be illuminated in the red, white and blue of the French flag tonight in solidarity with France.

BBC reporter James Longman has tweeted this picture allegedly showing the interior of Bouhlel's flat.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to the French embassy to express his condolences.

Here is the exact quote from the Paris prosecutor on the background of the attacks: "No claim has been made at this stage but this type of attack resembles calls for murder of terrorist organisations"

A neighbour of Bouhlel has spoken out, describing the attacker as "frightening."

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has issued a statement on the attack: "The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with France following this appalling and cowardly attack.

"No country is immune to terrorism and we are united with our French and European partners as we deal with these threats to our countries and our way of life.

"British Embassy staff are on the ground in Nice and in close touch with French authorities."

Paris prosecutor: Police found: "An automatic gun, one charger, cartridges, a dummy gun, and two fake Kalashnikovs. "

The Paris prosecutor has confirmed the identity of the attacker as Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel through fingerprinting.

He said that the attacker was known to police but not intelligence services and showed no signs of radicalisation. He said Bouhlel was of Tunisian nationality, divorced, with three children. His ex-wife is currently in protective custody.

He said that there were no claims of responsibility, but the attack resembles those carried out by terror groups.

A Paris prosecutor at a press conference in the French capital said that 84 people have been killed in last night's attack, among them are 10 children. 202 people were injured, with 52 in a critical condition and 25 on life support.

He described the incident as a "terror attack", and said the attacker shot three times at police. Police chased the attacker 300 metres before shooting him dead.

La Promenade de Anglais, where last night's attack took place, will re-open tonight at 8pm local time, municipal authorities said.

A Facebook page, SOS Nice, has been set up for people looking for relatives missing after the attack.

Local newspaper Nice Matin is reporting that the attack only lasted 45 seconds.

According to Caroline Langlade, Vice President of the Association Life for Paris, victims of the 13 November attacks in Paris and Saint-Denis lost relatives in Nice.

Three Berlin residents are believed to be among those killed, German authorities said.

A minute's silence has been held at the Tour de France for victims of the Nice attack.

A British tourist who returned to the UK from Nice today told the Press Association of the moment she witnessed the fatal attack.

She did not want to be named, but told the news service: "My friend said something like, 'Look out, look out'. I saw her face and I saw the truck coming.

"I turned around and there was someone on the side of it as it was hitting people. It had people on the front about to go under it, and then it went straight past with all these bodies on the floor.

"My friend was OK. It carried on a little bit further. There was a man and it had gone over his head. And there was an older lady there and there were two children there who I think were siblings.

"And then it just went really quiet for a moment. A woman started screaming and then I heard machine gun shots. Everybody said, 'Get down, get down'.

"My friend ran and I lost her. My hostel was around the corner. I went there and came back. I saw more people."

Boards in France have displayed signs of solidarity following the attack

Footage has emerged of a man on a motorcycle attempting to halt the passage of the truck by jumping at the driver's carriage and clinging onto the side of the vehicle.

French president Francois Hollande speaking in Nice:

Francois Hollande has pledged authorities will "continue to put our vigilance and protection at the service of French people ".

The family of the Texas father and son killed in the attack has released a statement.

Family friend Jess Davis spoke to AP about Sean Copeland, 51, and his son Brodie, 11.

"We are heartbroken and in shock over the loss of Brodie Copeland, an amazing son and brother who lit up our lives, and Sean Copeland, a wonderful husband and father," a Copeland family statement released by Davis said. "They are so loved."

The family had been on a European vacation and were next set to go to Barcelona.

"They had been celebrating Bastille Day in Nice when this unthinkable and unfair act of terror took Sean and Brodie from the world far too soon. It is a terrible loss," Davis said.

The gay pride event in Montpellier has been cancelled following last night's events.

Speaking from Nice, French president Francois Hollande warned: "Our enemy will continue to strike."

He said: ""There are many young children among the victims. Their lives were taken to satisfy the cruelty of an individual."

He added: "Until the last moment everything was done to save as many people as possible. We are facing a battle that will be very long. Our enemy will continue to strike."

Speaking from Nice, Francois Hollande said: "We want to express our sympathy to the families and victims. Fifty people are still between life and death."

Despite an extensive search of the suspect's property, French media reported that no arms or explosives were found there.

The truck driver's ex wife has been held for questioning by police, as they continue their investigation into the attack.

Fifty people " are still between life and death" according to Francois Hollande.

French president Francois Holland is speaking live about the attack, played on BFMTV.com

Tunisian man Bilal Labaoui, in his 30s, from Kasserine, has been confirmed as among those killed in the attack.

According to the Republicain Lorrain, four members from a same family from Herserange (in Meurthe-et-Moselle department) were killed.

Both retired, François et Christiane Locatelli, 82 and 78, were on holidays in the region. They were with their 55-year-old daughter and their 28 grandson when the attack happened.

Footage of the floral tributes that have been left outside the French Embassy in London.

The mayor of Nice said there were around 30,000 people watching the fireworks on the Promenade des Anglais when the truck hit crowds.

Reportedly, while the Promenade des Anglais was supposed to be closed to vehicles, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel managed to get through by telling duty delivering ice cream, according to M6 news channel.

On his motives, investigators are confused : the searches conducted at his home yielded nothing.

A second ID card not belonging to the suspect has been found in the truck used in the Nice attack, Nice Matin reported.

One of the French victims has been named as Emmanuel Grout, who was Assistant Commissioner of the border police in Nice.

A Swiss woman killed in the attack has been named by her brother as Linda Casanova, 54.

Switzerland's foreign ministry also confirmed that a Swiss woman has been killed, but did not provide further details.

An evacuation is currently taking place at Nice airport following a suspect package found in Terminal 1.

Full story here:

UPDATE: The lockdown of Nice airport is now over following a false alarm.

Another victim has been named as 60-year-old Robert Marchand. French media reports the father-of-one worked for Amefo in the town of Chambilly - a company specialised in security and production of vehicles and was also president and coach of Marcigny's athletic club.

Another victim has been named as mother-of-seven Fatima Charrihi. One of her son's told l'Express magazine: "She wore the veil, followed a moderate Islam. Real Islam. Not that of the terrorists."

Following the attack, the UK's National Police Chief's Council is asking all forces top forces to review major events over the next seven days to "ensure the appropriate security is in place".

DAC Neil Basu, National Operational Lead for Protect and Prepare

"Our thoughts are with the people of Nice, all those affected by last night's horrific attack and the emergency services whose job it was to respond.

"Our counter terrorism officers will do whatever we can to support our French counterparts in the days and weeks that follow as the investigation unfolds. UK policing continues to operate at a heightened state against the backdrop of a severe threat level - that level has been in place since 2014.

"Our policing tactics and security measures are constantly reviewed and we, along with our partners, are working around the clock to keep our cities as safe as can be.

"As I have following previous terrorist incidents, today I have asked all forces to review major events over the next seven days to ensure the appropriate security is in place.

"Help us to keep our towns, cities and communities safe. Remain vigilant when you are out and about and if you see anything suspicious then let us know using the Anti terrorist hotline 0800 789 321 or 999 in an emergency."

Italy's interior minister Angelino Alfan has instructed police to reinforce all 'sensitive targets' following yesterday's attack in Nice. Italy is currently on the second highest threat level, AP reported.

Among those believed to have been killed in the attack are two Americans, two Armenians, one Ukrainian, three Germans, one Russian, and at least 10 children.

The bomb disposal squad has carried out a controlled explosion on a package found in Nice this morning during a search of the area, French media reported.

A teacher and two students on a school trip from Germany were among the victims of the attack, French media reported.

UK prime minister Theresa May has issued a statement on the Nice attack.

She said: "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 have lost loved ones or been injured.

While the full picture is still emerging, it seems that at least 80 people are feared dead and many others have been injured. These were innocent victims enjoying a national celebration with their friends and families.

"We are working urgently to establish whether any British nationals were caught up in the attack. Our ambassador is travelling to Nice today with consular staff and they will be doing all they can to help anyone affected.

"I have asked my Deputy National Security Adviser to chair a COBR meeting of senior officials to review what we know and what we can do to help. And I will speak to President Hollande today and make clear that the United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with France today as we have done so often in the past.

"If, as we fear, this was a terrorist attack then we must redouble our efforts to defeat these brutal murderers who want to destroy our way of life. We must work with France and our partners around the world to stand up for our values and for our freedom."

The Union Flag and the Tricolour are flying at half-mast over 10 Downing Street as a mark of respect following the attack.

Russian student Victoria Savchenko has been named among those killed in yesterday's attack.

Her university, The Financial University, in Russia, issued the following statement: "Victoria Savchenko, a fourth year in the Faculty of Financial Management was seriously injured during the terror attack in Nice, and died. Her friend, also a student of ours, Pauline Serebryannikova hit and is now in hospital.

"We express our deep condolences to the families and friends of the deceased Victoria Savchenko and hope for a speedy recovery Pauline Serebryannikova."

Two buildings have been evacuated around route de Turin in Nice as a bomb disposal team carries out an operation on a rental truck parked 100 metres from where police are carrying out a search, Nice Matin reported.

It is unknown whether this is linked to yesterday's attack.

French media are reporting the suspect, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, was married with three children and was not particularly religious.

Travel advice has been issued to Britons and tourists in Nice after a lorry ploughed through a crowd during Bastille Day celebrations in the French Riviera town, killing at least 84 people.

Cartoonists have released tributes to victims of the attack.

A British woman has apologised after telling Sky News the Nice attack had ruined her shopping trip.

Estonia's foreign ministry has reported two of its citizens were injured in the attack.

German chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken in the wake of the attack.

A leading Sunni Muslim body has called for unity following the Nice attacks. The Cairo-based seat of learning Al-Azhar condemned the attacks and said they contradicted the teachings of Islam.

A raid has been carried out on the flat of suspect Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel. The truck driver's flat is in the north of Nice. Currently, a number of his relatives are being held by police and there are further searches underway in the area.

Two US citizens have been confirmed among those killed in the Nice attack. Sean Clark and his son Brodie, 11, both from Texas, were named by NBC as victims.

French media are reporting the name of the suspect as Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel.

Surviviors have spoken of the moment they realised they were under attack

Isis supporters have allegedly cheered the Nice attack, with one posting on social media: ""Oh France, you and the all Europe will never be secure until we will live secure on every inch in the land of the Caliphate." The account has since been suspended, Vocativ reported.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has announced he will be reviewing security measures in the capital following the Nice attack.

Flowers and candles have been left outside the French Embassy in London.

A baby who was lost during the attack last night has been found. Mother Tiava Banner had posted in desperation on Facebook after she was separated from her eight-month-old son as crowds fled the scene.

French former president Nicolas Sarkozy has commented on the attack.

He wrote on his Facebook page: "On this day so special for our country where we celebrated our national day, France has once again been hit in his heart.

"Through Nice, of its inhabitants, of its tourists and the famous promenade des anglais, France is the country which has been directly referred last night by Islamist terrorism.

"Like All French, we are seized by an emotion immense and awe in front of this mass murder, which affects whole families and their children and who plunged a whole nation, an entire department, a city and its inhabitants.

"My thoughts go first to the numerous cowardly murdered victims, their families, the injured, but also to our forces of order and the emergency services and to all the elected fully mobilised all the long night.

"In the face of the terrorist barbarity and to individuals willing to do anything to hit France and the French, it is essential to prolong the state of emergency and to use it fully to ensure the safety and protection of the French.

"We are in a war that will last, with a threat that constantly renews itself. The adaptation and the strengthening in the permanence of our device to combat Islamist terrorism remains a top priority. A firmness and exceptional vigilance of every moment and for a long time will be needed. Nothing can be as before."

The suspect was known to the police for common crime such as theft and violence but is not believed to have been on a terror watch list, a source told Reuters.

Celebrities including Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian have paid tribute to the victims of yesterday's attack.

Three days of national mourning have been declared by President Francois Hollande. This will run from 16-18 July, during which time flags will be flown at half mast.

French prime minister Manuel Valls has spoken out about the truck attack. He said: "The goal of terrorists is to instil fear and panic.

"But France is a great country and a great democracy that will not allow itself to be destabilised."

Art least 50 children are believed to have been hospitalised following the attack, as there were many families in the crowd who had gathered to watch the fireworks

French National Front leader Marine Le Pen has released a statement about the attack. The far-right leader said: " I extend my condolences to the families and friends of victims of the attack that struck Nice. My support also goes to all those, including children, who, injured or spared, lived the horror and will be permanently marked.

"July 14, a day of the celebration of our country's liberty, a day of celebration for the French turned yesterday into a day of great sorrow and horror.

"We should not see a succession of terrorist attacks and count the dead without action.

"The war against the scourge of Islamic fundamentalism has not started, it is urgent to declare it now. We must commit to implementing a series of measures that I have already detailed... designed to tackle the source of the phenomenon."

Ten of the victims have been confirmed as children, former mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi told French media.

A British national is believed to have been injured in the attack, according to foreign secretary Boris Johnson.

He told ITV: "The only information I have is that there is one UK national who is injured but it is still too early to say at the moment."

The Tour de France will continue with its next leg in spite of the Nice attack, PA has reported.

The 37.5-kilometer (23-mile) journey from Bourg-Saint-Andeol to La Caverne du Pont-D'Arc in the Ardeche region will take place today.

The former mayor of Nice and president of the regional Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur wrote to French president Francois Hollande on the eve of the terror attacks to discuss protecting police against terrorists.

Christian Estrosi said there was the need for "great emergency plan to protect our police and give them the means to act," Le Monde reported.

He said: "the lack of equipment must finally be solved, so that every policeman can for example have its own bullet proof vest," adding Hollande must "replace the time of tributes by the time for action" and that: "there is an urgency to improve the working conditions of our national police."

The French golfer Clement Sordet has this morning displayed a PrayforNice tribute at The Open golf championship at Royal Troon, which is flying the French flag at half mast.

An FCO Spokesperson said: "We have offered support to the French authorities and are in close contact with them following the horrific attack in Nice.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected and we have staff in place who stand ready to help any British nationals."

What we know about the suspect so far:

Reportedly, the suspect, whose name appears on a document found in the truck, is a Tunisian national born in 1985, who resided in Nice and had a residence permit.

He fired his 7.65mm when the police tried to intercept it.

He was shot by two officers of the specialist brigade.

Tens of thousands of people on social media are expressing solidarity with those killed in the Nice attack.

An eyewitness has spoken out about the moment a truck hit crowds in Nice.

Celia Delcourt, 20, from Nice, told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "When the fireworks ended, we went on to the Promenade des Anglais and we started walking and we heard gunshots and we started running from on the other side.

"It was dark. We didn't know what was happening. We thought it was fireworks from another place. We just started running because everybody was running, without knowing what was happening," she added.

"We never thought it will happen in our city, it's crazy. It feels like it's a part of our day since it happened in Paris but we never thought it would happen here."

Prime Minister Theresa May is being kept up to date on events in Nice, a Downing Street spokesperson told PA.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration," he said.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said in a statement on the Nice attack, reported by the National Catholic Register: "With great concern we have followed throughout this night the terrible news from Nice.

"We express on the behalf of Pope Francis our sympathy and solidarity with the suffering of the victims and of all the French people in what was supposed to be a day of great holiday.

We condemn in the strongest terms every demonstration of senseless violence, hatred, terrorism and every attack against peace."

The emergency meeting of France's National Defence and Security council is underway.

MP Owen Smith has announced he is postponing the launch of his campaign for leadership of the Labour Party following the attack.

French newspapers this morning

At least five people were filmed chasing the truck before it plunged into crowds in Nice.

News is emerging of the moment people intervened to attempt to stop the truck.

"A person jumped onto the truck to try to stop it," Eric Ciotti told Europe 1 radio, AP reported. "It's at that moment that the police were able to neutralise this terrorist. I won't forget the look of this policewoman who intercepted the killer."

Marseilles has cancelled a firework display planned for this evening in the wake of yesterday's attack.

Former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich has said any Muslim who believes in Sharia should be expelled from the US, following last night's attack in France, AP reported.

French president Francois Hollande has spoken out following the attack

Donald Trump has released further comments on the Nice attack after confirming he would postpone the unveiling of his vice presidential candidate until tomorrow.

Afp is reporting that the death toll has now risen to 84.

More video emerging from the scene of the attack, showing the moment the truck rammed into the Bastille Day crowds in Nice.

This video shows people fleeing in fear from the Bastille Day carnage.

Witness reports have emerged throughout the night of the stampede and carnage on the waterfront of Nice.

Witnesses have described people being knocked down "like skittles at a bowling alley".

Ismali Khalidi, an American-Palestinian writer who was in the southern French city to visit his sister, told the Guardian: "All of a sudden we saw essentially a stampede of people coming along the Promenade de Anglais. The stampede just sort of kept coming ... we are talking families, hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people."

The new Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has tweeted his reaction to the events in Nice.

Orlando police have sent a message of sympathy, the attack in Nice coming only weeks after the city in Florida fell victim to its own terror attack.

People have been turning to twitter to find out information about people who were in Nice who may have been among the victims, going to the handle @nicefindpeople.

The image of the truck that was used in the attack is pictured with bullet holes in the front and surrounded by forensic officers. The driver of the lorry was killed. Police are investigating whether he was acting alone.

Leaders attending the ASEAN summit in Ulaan Baator Mongolia, stand for a minute's silence for the victims of the attack in Nice.

The cover of the local Nice-Matin newspaper tells of a city's shock and trauma.

Presidential candidate and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has responded to the tragic events in Nice.

She said: "I think it is clear we are at war with these terrorist groups and what they represent. It is a different kind of war and we need to be smart about how we wage it and win it. So I think we need to look at all possible approaches to doing just that."

The French Interior Minister Bernard Cazenueve said the death toll has risen to 80 with 18 remaining in critical condition,

To help process the massive crime scene, in which a truck ploughed into a crowded street, Cazenueve said he was sending 60 investigative officials to the city, and that all public demonstrations will be banned in the coming days.

A public prosecutor would be put in charge of disseminating updates on the investigation moving forward.

"We knew that the threat of terrorism remained very high," he said, adding that France "must continue to be mobilized — we are at war with terrorists," Cazenueve said.

Britain's Foreign Office issued an alert warning British citizens in the Nice area in France to follow the instructions of the French authorities after a Bastille Day attack killed 77 in the Riviera city.

"We are in touch with the local authorities and seeking more information following an apparent attack on a Bastille Day celebration in Nice. If you are in the area follow the instructions of the French authorities," the Foreign Office said in updated travel advice on France.

In a televised address, the French president Francois Hollande has confirmed 77 people have died "including children" and 20 people are wounded.

"France has been struck on the day of her national holiday... the symbol of liberty. We show our solidarity towards the victims and their families. All means are being deployed to help the wounded.

"France as a whole is under the threat of Islamic terrorism. We have to demonstrate absolute vigilance and show determination that is unfailing. France is in tears".

He said that the state of emergency that was set to be lifted on 26 July will be extended for a further three months.

Both French TV station BFM and local newspaper Nice-Matin are reporting that the driver is a 31-year-old with dual French-Tunisian nationality.

A police source is quoted as saying that an ID card was found inside the truck. Reports say the man was a Nice resident.

France was due to lift its state of emergency on 25 July, which it had put in place after the Bataclan attacks in November 2015.

Earlier on Thursday, President Francois Hollande said the measures could not be extended indefinitely. "It would make no sense. That would mean we're no longer a republic with the rule of law applied in all circumstances."

Christian Estrosi, president of the region and mayor of Nice, says that the death toll has reached 77. There are 50 injured with 15 people in a critical condition.

The French Ambassador to the US has commented.

The Negresco hotel has been transformed into a makeshift hospital.

The Negresco hotel has been transformed into a makeshift hospital.

IBTimes UK has collated a series of images of the scenes of the aftermath of the truck attack in Nice on the French Riviera.

The US Embassy in France has issued a statement which says: "We urge US citizens in Nice to contact family members and loved ones to notify them that you are safe, avoid the area, to monitor local press for updates, and to exercise caution if you are in the vicinity."

Terrorism expert Claude Moniquet has told the BBC that it is "pretty clear" it was a terror attack and that while there is no confirmation of guns or grenades being found, if that were true, it would indicate a "more elaborate" and "more professional" plot.

President Obama has released a statement on the attack, only a few minutes before he is due to go into a live town hall discussion on race and policing.

The British Prime Minister Theresa May is being kept up to date on the "terrible incident" in Nice, a Downing Street spokesman said.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration," the spokesman said.

The central hospital in Nice has released a number for families of the victims.

Anti-terrorism investigators have taken over the investigation but the French interior ministry has denied rumours that hostages were taken.

Interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet told AFP: "There is no hostage-taking. An individual drove a truck into the crowd. He was killed by police.

"Investigations are currently under way to establish if the individual acted alone or if he had accomplices who might have fled," Brandet said.

The president of the region Christian Estrosi says the truck in Nice was loaded with weapons and grenades, according to AP. He said the truck had been driven by someone who appeared to have "completely premeditated behaviour".

He told BFM TV: "The driver fired on the crowd, according to the police who killed him."

Reuters is reporting that anti-terrorist investigators have taken over the attack probe. The front page of the Paris newspaper Le Parisien reflects the gravity of the tragic attack.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has tweeted his solidarity with the victims of the tragic attack in Nice. He writes: "Deep sadness in light of the attack in Nice. Solidarity with Nice residents and those from the Alpes-Maritimes region."

Donald Trump has postponed his unveiling of the Vice President tomorrow in light of attacks.

The local Prefecture described the slaughter as a "terrorist attack" but an interior ministry spokesman, Pierre-Henry Brandet, said it was too early to be certain of the killers' motives.

The Telegraph reported how a gunman reportedly got out of the lorry and fired into the crowd on the seafront Promenade des Anglais, saying that he was shot dead by police. There are reports that an accomplice had fled and that guns and grenades were found in the lorry.

I-Tele have now raised the death toll to over 70, according to Sky News. The newspaper Nice Matin has tweeted images of police officers at the scene on the Promenade des Anglais.

The Nice prosecutor's office is being quoted by the i-Télé TV channel as saying that 60 people are now feared dead, backing up an earlier estimate by the Drudge Report.

Damien Allemand a reporter from the newspaper Nice-Matin was quoted as saying: "People are running. It's panic. He rode up on to the Prom and piled into the crowd ... There are people covered in blood. There must be many injured."

A witness told BFM TV that he heard shots fired but that he could see nothing of the driver of the truck. Although there are reports that shots were fired during the incident, this has not been confirmed by officials.

Reuters is reporting that the French President Hollande is heading for interior ministry crisis centre.

One reporter from Agence France Press described the moment that a white van drove into the crowd, saying: "We saw people hit and bits of debris flying around," he said, adding that the incident took place near the Hotel Negresco.

"Terrified pedestrians screamed as they fled the area. "It was absolute chaos," he said.

The journalist Edouard de Mareschal has tweeted that according to a police source, one of the culprits fled the scene and has taken hostages.

The regional president Christian Estrosi has warned people to stay indoors.

The mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo has tweeted her condolences and sympathy. She writes: "On behalf of all Parisians, we give all our support to the people of Nice. Our cities are united."

There are differing accounts as the death toll which cannot yet be verified. The Drudge Report has put it as high as 60.

The French police have tweeted a message urging people not to broadcast shocking images on social networks.

A truck has driven into a crowd in Nice who were celebrating Bastille Day with reports of dozens dead and over 100 people injured.

Images on social media depict men and women lying on the road close to the Promenade des Anglais with videos and photographs showing thousands flee in panic.