British holidaymakers heading to France have been warned by the Foreign Office of a "high" terror alert in the country.
In the wake of the attack on Bastille Day celebrations in Nice last night, Brits already in the city have been advised to "follow the instructions of the French authorities" and to call the FO if they are concerned about any British national who may have been caught up in the attacks.
"Due to ongoing threats to France by Islamist terrorist groups, and recent French military intervention against Daesh [also known as Islamic State], the French government has warned the public to be especially vigilant and has reinforced its security measures," it added.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
At least 84 people died when a lorry ploughed through crowds on the city's beachfront during Bastille Day celebrations.
President Francois Hollande described it as a "terrorist" attack, although no group has yet claimed responsibility.
The Foreign Office says around 17 million British nationals visit France every year and most trips are trouble free. However, after last night's attack, Hollande said a state of emergency – due to expire on 26 July – would be extended for another three months.
This makes it easier for police to place potentially dangerous offenders under house arrest and disband groups found to be a threat to public order, but also means local authorities can implement curfews or prohibit movement of the general public in certain areas.
Nice airport was evacuated today after a suspicious package was found, but passengers were subsequently allowed back in and flights do not appear to have been greatly affected. Those preparing to travel to the city are advised to check the status of their flight before they leave home.
Passengers on easyJet wishing to cancel their flights into Nice are being offered refunds and British Airways has also said it is contacting customers to offer to change their flights.
"We'd encourage customers in Nice to get in touch with us if they want to make a change to their booking and we will do everything we can to help," said a BA spokesperson.
Both airlines expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.
-
‘A legacy news brand brings a visibility of its own’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
8 of the best ‘cozy crime’ series of all timeThe Week Recommends Murder mysteries don’t necessarily have to make us miserable, and these shows have perfected a feel-good crime formula
-
Youth revolts rattle Morocco as calls against corruption grow louderTHE EXPLAINER Snowballing controversy over World Cup construction and civic services has become a serious threat to Morocco’s political stability
-
Prime minister shocks France with resignationSpeed Read French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu submitted his government’s resignation after less than a month in office
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
The France-Indonesia push for an Israeli-Palestinian two-state solutionTalking Points Both countries have said a two-state solution is the way to end the Middle East conflict
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
