France stabbing: Two killed and seven injured in Romans-sur-Isere knife attack
TWO PEOPLE have been killed and seven injured after a knife attack in Romans-sur-Isere, France, local media has reported.
France: Emergency services attend incident in Romans-sur-Isere
The attack reportedly took place this morning at a bakery where customers were queuing and at shops in the southeastern town. A man has been arrested and counter-terrorism police are investigating. News website Le Dauphine said three people were in a critical condition.
The mayor of Romans-sur-Isère said the perpetrator of the attack had entered several shops during the frenzy.
Witnesses told Reuters the man struck at random and in several places while moving around the town centre.
According to French radio station France Bleu the suspect attacked a man outside his home shortly before 10.45am.
The suspect then reportedly went on to carry out further attacks inside a tobacco shop, butchers and nearby supermarket.
Pictures taken at the scene show a huge armed police response.
France’s interior minister Christophe Castaner said security services were trying to establish the nature and circumstances of the incident.
Mr Castaner said: “All my thoughts go out to the victims of the attack on #RomansSurlsere and their loved ones.
“The accused was arrested by the @PoliceNationale.
“The DIPJ of Lyon is mobilized, under the authority of Justice, to establish the nature and the circumstances of this heinous act.”
France is currently on a nationwide lockdown following the spread of the coronavirus.
The French Government has ordered against all non-essential travel until at least April 15.
The lockdown in France began on March 17 and was extended for a fortnight earlier this week.