AT least 75 have been killed and 100 injured after a suspected terrorist ploughed a lorry into a crowd of people celebrating Bastille Day in France.
Witnesses reported an exchange of gunfire in the aftermath of the incident which happened shortly after 10.30pm on the Promenade des Anglais .
A bullet-riddled lorry could be seen at the scene, supporting reports the driver was shot
Bodies were seen being wrapped up in sheets in the streets in images posted on social media
The incident happened in the southern city of Nice on the French Riviera, where crowds had gathered for a firework display for the French national day.
Videos posted online showed panicked people running from the scene in fear, while witnesses reported terrified onlookers throwing themselves into the sea to escape the crush of bodies.
Victims were reportedly mown down over a 2km stretch of road, with some eye witnesses describing an exchange of gunfire between the driver and the police.
And photos emerging of what appeared to be the bullet-riddled windscreen of the abandoned lorry in the middle of the road seemed to confirm the reports of a shootout.
Officials have now confirmed that the vehicle was found to be laden with grenades and weapons.
One witness told French TV station he had seen a gunman firing into the crowd.
The man told BFM TV: "It's total panic. We saw a white lorry which drove directly into people on the Promenade des Anglais.
"A gunman fired into the crowd before being shot by police.
"Perhaps they are dead, I'm not sure."
The driver was killed, but there have been reports of a second man on the run in the city.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, urged citizens to stay in their homes, amid fears there was a terrorist on the loose.
Estrosi said: "Dear Nice locals, the driver of the truck seems to have caused dozens of deaths.
"Stay in your homes for now. More information to come."
He later said: "This is the most terrible attack that we have ever experienced in Nice."
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