At least one British national is understood to have been injured, according the UK’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

The attack occurred last night on the Mediterranean seafront Promenade des Anglais in Nice where thousands of people, including many tourists, had gathered to watch a Bastille Day fireworks display.

The terrorist, who is believed to be a 31-year-old French Tunisian, drove the lorry 2km along the promenade, ploughing into the celebrating crowds.

As people fled in terror then opened fire on them until he was shot dead by police. Further guns and grenades are reported to have been found in the lorry cab.

As the country reeled from the attack, President Hollande extended the countrywide state of emergency for three months which had been in place since November last year following the Paris attack which saw 130 people killed. It had been due to be lifted soon.

In a televised address to the nation, Hollande said: “A fresh atrocity has just been inflicted on France. It is the whole of France which is under threat from Islamic terrorism.”

Abta has issued a statement urging British tourists in Nice to "follow the instructions of French authorities, who are at present advising people to stay indoors at this time".
 
It added: A national state of emergency will remain in place in France until July 26. Abta would recommend that all visitors read and follow the latest travel advice for France by talking to their travel agent or tour operator and following Foreign Office advice. As in the UK where the terrorism threat level is severe, travellers should remain alert and vigilant, especially in places where there is a high concentration of people, as advised by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).”