PARIS – French police shot dead two attackers Tuesday who took hostages in a church in Normandy during Mass and slit the throat of a priest, French media reported.
Counter-terrorism forces have been requested to investigate by French officials, suggesting they believe there is an Islamist lin.
The hostage, which is said to be 84-year-old Father Jacques Hamel, was killed by the attackers.
The attackers slit his throat after they stormed the back door of the church chanting ‘Allah Akbar, according to initial reports.
At least one other person was injured, according to the Figaro Newspaper. France’s Interior Ministry has said that the death toll may still rise.
France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor has begun an investigation, suggesting authorities believe the attack may be politically motivated in a nation still on the edge after a bloody July 14 attack that killed 84 in the Riviera city of Nice.
French President Francois Hollande and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve are on their way to the site of the attack in the city of Rouen.