Reports indicate that children are currently in critical condition after a knife attack occurred in the alpine town of Annecy, located in southeastern France.
Police have stated that the attack took place in a park at around 09:45 local time and was perpetrated by a 45-year-old Syrian man who was seeking refugee status.
According to French media, the injured children, approximately three years old, include two in critical condition.
Per reports, the suspect is thought to be a Syrian asylum seeker.
The attack has left the nation in shock, as stated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Our thoughts are with [those hurt] as well as their families and the emergency services,” he added.
Attaque d’une lâcheté absolue ce matin dans un parc à Annecy. Des enfants et un adulte sont entre la vie et la mort. La Nation est sous le choc. Nos pensées les accompagnent ainsi que leurs familles et les secours mobilisés.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 8, 2023
The mayor of Annecy has strongly condemned the horrific incident and announced that a press conference will be held to provide further updates.