The so-called "Islamic State" group has claimed responsibility for attack in Nice

The so-called Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for Thursday night's attack in Nice, as three days of national mourning begin in France.

84 people, including children, were killed and more than 200 injured when a truck drove through crowds of people who had gathered for a fireworks display.

French President Francois Hollande is to hold crisis talks with security chiefs today.

A number of injured people are in a critical condition.

RTÉ News understands a Irish man for whom there was concern following the attack has been confirmed as safe and well.

The man who drove the truck, 31-year-old Mohamad Lahouaiej Bouhlel was known to police for petty crimes but was not on any terrorism watchlist.

An investigation is still ascertaining whether the attacker was working alone or in a group.

"The person who carried out the operation in Nice, France, to run down people was one of the soldiers of Islamic State," the news agency Amaq, which supports Islamic State, said via its Telegram account this morning.

"He carried out the operation in response to calls to target nationals of states that are part of the coalition fighting Islamic State," the statement said.

• A legal source this morning said four people have been taken into custody. The driver's estranged wife is also being held by police.

Vigils will take place in counties Dublin, Galway and Limerick to remember those killed in the attack.
 [rte.ie]
16/7/16
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• 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...