World leaders react with horror to truck attack in Nice

Vladimir Putin said Russia is willing to work closely with France and other countries to fight terrorism

World leaders are expressing dismay, sadness and solidarity with France over the attack carried out by a man who drove truck into crowds of people celebrating France's national day in Nice, killing at least 84 people.

US President Barack Obama condemned what he said "appears to be a horrific terrorist attack" in Nice.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved-ones of those killed."

Noting that the attack occurred on Bastille Day, Obama praised "the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world." Secretary of State John Kerry called it a "horrendous attack in Nice. I was proud to stand alongside French leaders earlier today at Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, and the United States will continue to stand firmly with the French people during this time of tragedy."

Both presidential candidates also condemned the attacks, with Republican Donald Trump declaring "this is war" and Democrat Hillary Clinton vowing "we will not be intimidated.

Clinton said that "every American stands in strong solidarity with the people of France, and we say with one voice: We will not be intimidated. We will never allow terrorists to undermine the egalitarian and democratic values that underpin our very way of life."

Trump, who postponed plans to announce his vice presidential pick because of the attacks, said "this is war. If you look at it, this is war coming from all different parts. And frankly it's war and we're dealing with people without uniforms."

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has been "shocked by the violence and exceptional cynicism" of Thursday's attack in Nice.

Although the cause of the attack has not been officially confirmed, Putin said today in a message of condolences to French President Francois Hollande that terrorism can be defeated only if "all civilized mankind pulls efforts together" to fight militants, their leaders as well as targeting their financial backers "wherever they are hiding."

Putin said Russia is willing to work closely with France and other countries to fight terrorism which is "devoid of any human moral."

European Council president Donald Tusk expressed consternation that France was attacked on its national day and said the world stands united with the French people.

Japan expressed "strong shock and anger" following the truck attack in Nice.

Japanese Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan also aims to strengthen its counter-terrorism measurements to ensure safety of Japan.