At least four children have been injured in a knife attack. The incident took place in a park near Lake Annecy in the French Alps.
At least three of the victims are in a critical condition in hospital. The drama unfolded at around 9.45am local time when a man reportedly armed with a knife entered a children's playground area. The children involved are thought to be around three years old.
Reports regarding the number of children injured has varied, but the number appears to be between four and six. An adult was also reportedly injured.
It has also been claimed that a suspect has been arrested. Regional deputy Antoine Armand described the attack as "abominable" and said authorities were investigating.
Roads in the area have been blocked off as police investigate. The French prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, is on her way to the scene. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, tweeted that it was an act of 'absolute cowardice' and the nation was in shock. He added that 'some children and an adult are between life and death'.
One witness, named as Nelly, told France Info radio: “People were running, crying, panicking … it was horrible.”
The French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, tweeted that the suspect “has been arrested thanks to the rapid reaction of security forces”.
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“Several people including children have been injured by an individual armed with a knife in a square in Annecy,” he tweeted.
