France declares three days of national mourning as world leaders react to Nice attack

France has declared three days of national mourning after at least 84 people were killed while watching a Bastille Day fireworks display in the city of Nice.

Flags are being flown at half-mast.

The attacks have been condemned by leaders from around the world as France extends its state of emergency in place since the attacks in Paris in November 2015, in which 130 people died.

President Michael D Higgins said he was shocked and saddened to learn of the attack with "its appalling loss of life, including children".

He said: "All of the thoughts of those who value freedom and the public world are with the people of France at this time."

US President Barack Obama condemned what he said "appears to be a horrific terrorist attack".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said her country would stand by France’s side in the "fight against terrorism".

"All of us who have come together at the ASEM summit are united in our feeling of disbelief at the attack of mass murder in Nice," Ms Merkel said on the sidelines of the major summit between Asian and European leaders in Mongolia.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he was shocked and saddened at what had happened in Nice...
  [rte.ie]
 15/7/16
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• A large truck plowed through revelers gathered for Bastille Day fireworks in Nice, killing at least 84 people and sending others fleeing into the sea as it bore down for more than a mile along the Riviera city's famed waterfront promenade...