A Perthshire couple have spoken of horror scenes in the French Riviera and their miracle escape after a lorry careered through a crowd in Nice, killing 84 people.
Sandra Kinloch, from Stanley, told BBC Scotland how the truck passed two metres from her on the promenade, where thousands of people had been celebrating Bastille Day.
Mrs Kinloch, who is in the southern French city with her husband on holiday, said: “I was walking on the promenade and seconds later the lorry didn’t have its lights on, so we could just hear it.
“It was coming at speed and it was noisy and kicking over bins and things. We were just so lucky to get out of the way at the right time.
“We realised something had happened straight away when we got back.
“I just want to go home but we’re stuck now, it’s awful.”
Last night Sandra posted to Facebook to let friends and family know she is safe.
“Just to say we are okay after the devastation in Nice,” she wrote.
“We were 2 meters away from the truck as it went past at speed. Really scary moment and horrid to see so many people dead. In our apartment now safe.”
The full extent of the devastation involved is still coming to light and Scottish police have issued a warning for communities to remain aware and vigilant.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, Police Scotland lead officer for Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism and Safer Communities, said:“Following the tragic events in Nice yesterday, Police Scotland has reviewed security and safety arrangements as a precautionary measure. This is something we would do as a matter of course after such events and it is not in relation to any specific information or intelligence.
“Police Scotland is committed to ensuring all communities across the country are as safe as they can be and I would ask the public, especially around crowded places and transport hubs, to remain vigilant and alert, but not alarmed. If you suspect something is wrong, then report it to the police.
“I would stress that there is no specific information which suggests Scotland is at risk of attack however the UK threat level remains at Severe and our communities are not immune from the threat of an attack. That’s why I would encourage people to go about their business as normal but remain vigilant.
“I am confident that the diverse, welcoming and multi-cultural communities across Scotland will work together to ensure no individual or community feels marginalised or isolated by the actions of criminals.
“Our thoughts at this time are very much with those individuals and communities affected by the events in France.”
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has confirmed that at least one Briton has been injured in the attack.
Speaking to the BBC as he left his home, Mr Johnson said: “It’s an absolutely appalling incident and there will be ministerial meetings later on today to discuss the implications.
“Clearly this represents a continuing threat. If this is a terrorist incident, as this appears to be, this represents a continuing threat to us in the whole of Europe and we must meet it together.
“The only information that I have is that there is one UK national who is injured.”
