THE French Tricolore flew at half mast at The Castle in Winchester last Thursday in honour of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Nice.

Hampshire County Council joined tributes across Europe following the horrific attack, which is now known to have killed at least 84 innocent people, including a number of children, who were enjoying the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14.

County council leader Roy Perry said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the attack and my heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. This is a time of shock and sadness across Europe and on behalf of the people of Hampshire, I offer our sincere condolences to the French people.”

These sentiments were echoed by Ferris Cowper, leader of East Hampshire District Council, who said: “We have all been stunned by the horror and senselessness of the murderous attack in Nice and we can only express our deepest sympathies with the families and friends of those who have been killed.

“It is a sad fact that terror is on the rise across Europe and the rest of the world, but we must not let these tragedies drive us apart, as the perpetrators would wish. Instead we must reach out to bring our diverse communities together, respect our differences and celebrate our commonality.”