JUST IN: Lorry attack on crowd leaves at least 80 dead

- A lorry struck a crowd after Bastille Day celebrations in the southern French city of Nice, killing at least 80 people, including children

- President Francois Hollande said the attack was of a "terrorist nature"

- The driver of the lorry was shot dead after which guns and grenades were found inside the lorry

Horror has come down on France once again as a lorry struck a crowd after Bastille Day celebrations in the southern French city of Nice, killing at least 80 people, including children, and injuring dozens last night, July 14.

According to officials, the incident happened on the famous Promenade des Anglais after a firework display.

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Although the driver was shot dead, the discovery of guns and grenades inside the lorry has prompted President Francois Hollande to describe the attack as that of "terrorist nature".

The "terroristic character" of the attack "cannot be denied," Hollande said.

He added: "It is clear that we must do everything we can to fight against the scourge of terrorism.

"France was hit on the day of her national holiday, July 14, symbol of liberty, because the rights of man are denied by fanatics and France is inevitably their target." 

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Following the attack, President Hollande extended a state of emergency across France by three months. The state of emergency had been due to end on 26 July.

"All of France is under the threat of Islamic terrorism," Hollande said, adding that "several children" were among those killed.

France had been on high alert following last November's attacks in Paris in which 130 people died and hundreds were wounded.

The country recently hosted the Euro 2016 championship in which Portugal emerged as champions.

Source: Legit.ng