A man has been arrested after allegedly ploughing his car into pedestrians and cyclists on the French island of Ile d'Oleron before attempting to set the vehicle on fire.
Ten people were injured, with four in critical condition, following the attack which took place at around 8.45am local time this morning (5 November).
A local man, aged 35, is believed to be known to authorities, with the mayor of Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, Christophe Sueur, telling local press he is 'known for his numerous transgressions, notably due to his regular consumption of drugs and alcohol'.
The driver is said to have travelled between two villages on the island, mowing down pedestrians and cyclists as he went in a number of different incidents, including a young girl who was walking down the street.
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He is alleged to have shouted 'Allah Akbar' when police apprehended him with the use of a taser, though the man's motive has not been confirmed, with public prosecutor Arnaud Laraize explaining that the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office is 'not involved at this stage.'
"At the time of his arrest, [the man] shouted Allah Akbar. However, the motive is not confirmed and the investigation will have to determine it," he told Le Parisien.
He is not believed to be on the French authorities' list for the prevention of radicalisation leading to terrorism.
The suspect is said to have had a number of gas canisters in the back of his car, and reportedly attempted to set his car on fire before being apprehended by police.
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The victims were taken to the University Hospital of Poitiers by air ambulance and a support unit has been set up for anyone affected by the attack at Château d'Oléron.
Interior minister Laurent Nuñez said in a post on X: “A motorist struck several pedestrians and cyclists on his route in Saint Pierre d´Oléron and Dolus d’Oléron. The suspect has been taken into custody by the gendarmes. An investigation has been opened. At the request of the Prime Minister, I am heading to the scene.”
Ile d'Oleron is the second largest island belonging to France, just after Corsica, located off the west coast of France with a population of around 22,000 people. It is a popular tourist destination and can be reached by a road bridge linking the island to France's mainland.
Topics: World News
Emma Rosemurgey