NZ Embassy in Paris is liaising with the local authorities after Nice attack

Alert Facebook Censoring Term "Muslim Terrorist" After Paris Attack

Last updated16:50, July 15 2016

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A group from Rangi Ruru Girls" School in Christchurch currently on a cultural trip to Nice have been reported to be safe and well. This picture was taken in Nice on July 13.

A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman says the NZ Embassy in Paris is liaising with the local authorities to find out whether any New Zealanders have been harmed in the Nice attack.

A truck drove on to the footpathandploughedthrough a crowd of Bastille Dayrevellerswho had gathered to watch fireworks in the French resort city of Nice late Thursday, in what was apparentlya deliberate attack. At least80 people have been killed.

Sylvie Toffin, a press officer with the local prefecture, said that the truck "hit several people on a long trip" down the sidewalk near Nice"s Palais de la Mediterranee, a building that fronts the beach.

GRAPHIC WARNING. More than 70 are dead after a truck ploughed into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France.

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She called the incident "an attack." Nice regional president Eric Ciotti said on France Info radio that ``It"s a scene of horror". He said he was speaking from the scene.

Nice prosecutor Jean-Michel Prette said bodies were strewn about along the roadway. However he stopped short of using the word attack, while acknowledging that "it has many ingredients of an attack that allow us to think that."

Sydney man Marcus Freeman describes fleeing to his hotel when a truck ran into a large Bastille Day celebration in Nice, France. Courtesy ABC RN Breakfast.

Rugby legend Colin Meads" granddaughter was caught in the chaos in Nice.Christy Meads, 23, a teacher at Leamington School in Cambridge in the Waikatois in Nice on a Contikitour around Europe and was ina night club less than five minutes walk away from the scene of the attack at the time.

A school group from Christchurch who were on a cultural trip to Nice have been confirmed as safe and well. Ali Jones, spokesperson for Rangi Ruru Girls" School, said a group of nine girls and two staff have been accounted for. She said: "All girls are currently in the care of their homestay families, and staff are in an apartment."

Australia"sForeign Minister Julie Bishop says three Australians have been injured during the attack.She says they suffered minor injuries while trying to flee when a truck ploughed into revellers, leaving at least 80 dead.

Chris McKeen

Prime Minister John Key is currently in France.

There are 882 New Zealanders registered as being in France.

The SafeTravel website said Kiwis should avoid the immediate area of the attack.

"New Zealanders in Nice are advised to stay away from the affected area and keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources.

ERIC GAILLARD

A truck ran into a crowd celebrating the Bastille Day national holiday in Nice, France.

"Security operations are ongoing and you should adhere to the instructions of local authorities at all times, including any restrictions on movement.

"You should also contact your family in New Zealand to advise them that you are safe.

"New Zealanders who require consular assistance are advised to contact the New Zealand Embassy in Paris on 01 45 01 43 43."

ONE NEWS

A truck crashed into a crowd in Nice, killing dozens of people.

Prime Minister John Key isin Paris at the moment, but issafe and has not changed his travel plans in France at this stage, said a spokesperson from his office.

"He"s in Paris for the next two days where he will attend a number of business meetings and visit the New Zealand Memorial inLonguevalto pay his respects to the New Zealand soldiers who fought at the Somme, and the Arras tunnels."

ERIC GAILLARD

French soldiers advance on the street after the truck ran into a crowd.

Images circulating on social media showed grisly scenes of piles of bodies in the street in Nice.

It was not immediately clear who would have been behind an attack, but France has recently seen a spate of dramatic assaults from by jihadist groups, including the Islamic State group which straddles Iraq and Syria.

Britain"s Foreign Office has issued an alert warning British citizens in the Nice area in France to follow the instructions of the French authorities.

"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.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE IN FRANCE?

If you have concerns about a New Zealand citizen family member in France, try and make direct contact in the first instance, SafeTravel says.

If you have ongoing concerns,contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade:

04 439 8000 (if calling from within New Zealand)

+64 4 439 8000 (if calling from outside New Zealand)

- Stuff, Agencies

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/82139752/nz-embassy-in-paris-is-liaising-with-the-local-authorities-after-nice-attack