BOOKS of condolence have been opened in Northern Ireland to enable people to pay tribute to the victims of the Nice terror attack.
A minute's silence was held at Belfast City Hall before the book was officially opened. A similar book was opened at the Guildhall in Derry.
New Secretary of State James Brokenshire's first official engagement in post was to sign the book in Belfast.
"I wish to express my condolences to all of those affected by the appalling tragedy in Nice," he said.
"It is an unimaginable horror and as my first official engagement to sign the book of condolence is very fitting.
"It enables people to express their thoughts, condolences and also to underline how we stand together with the people of France and the people of Nice at this terrible time of loss."
Belfast Lord Mayor Brian Kingston said people in Northern Ireland had been shocked by the events in France, where 84 people were killed when a lorry ploughed through crowds celebrating Bastille Day.
"These were families and people out enjoying a celebration and we can barely comprehend how someone could so callously carry out such wanton taking of life," he said.
"We have very much responded to the public mood, we know people wish to express their sympathy to those who have been bereaved and injured – but also to show our solidarity to the French people and all those affected by this terrible atrocity."
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Alderman Hilary McClintock said: "On behalf of the people of the city and district, I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the people of France following the indiscriminate act of terror that was inflicted on the people of Nice who were out and about enjoying what should have been a day of celebration.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been bereaved and all those who have been injured."
