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At least three people have died and several others were injured in a knife attack near a church in Nice.

One of the victims, a woman, was decapitated, according to reports.

Municipal police arrested a person in connection with the attack, which took place at about 9am near Notre Dame Basilica, Nice Matin said.

The area around the church in the city centre has been cordoned off, and the public have been advised to stay away from the area.

The suspect was injured during the arrest and taken to hospital. Witnesses said they heard gunfire shortly after officers arrived on the scene.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that he had spoken to the city's mayor, Christian Estrosi and revealed an urgent meeting was taking place at the Ministry. Mr Estrosi described the incident as a terrorist attack.

A minute's silence was observed in the National Assembly after news of the attack broke.