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Islamic State claim responsibility for Marseilles knife attack

Two women were killed and the attacker was later shot dead by soldiers on patrol.

France Knife Attack French police officer cordons off the access to Marseille's main train station yesterday. AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

THE ISLAMIC STATE group has claimed responsibility for the killings in Marseille yesterday, in which an attacker killed two women at the main train station.

The man was later shot dead by soldiers on patrol.

One of the victims had her throat slit by the assailant, a man with a criminal record believed to be in his 30s who witnesses said shouted “Allahu Akbar” at the start of his rampage.

Troops serving in a special 7,000-strong force known as Sentinelle set up to guard vulnerable areas in terror-hit France responded to the stabbings and shot dead the attacker, whose identity remains unknown.

French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said about a dozen witnesses were being questioned.

“This act could be terrorist in nature but at this time we cannot confirm that,” he added.

“I was on the esplanade just in front of the station,” Melanie Petit, an 18-year-old student, told AFP. “I heard someone shout ‘Allahu Akbar’ and I saw a man who seemed to be dressed all in black.”

France Knife Attack French police officers block access on the stairs leading to Marseille's main train station. AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

Later, IS’s Amaq propaganda agency cited a “security source” saying: “The executor of the stabbing operation in the city of Marseille… is from the soldiers of the Islamic State.”

During the incident, heavily armed police sealed off and evacuated the ornate rail terminus in the bustling heart of France’s second-biggest city, stopping all train traffic on some of the country’s busiest lines.

Travellers around the station described “controlled panic” as security forces evacuated passengers and looked for possible accomplices, while another witness said white sheets were placed over the bodies of the victims.

The two victims remained unidentified but were both “around 20 years old,” a police source said.

The assailant was known to the authorities for a string of common law offences and had “no papers on him,” one source told AFP.

He was identified by his fingerprints after being shot dead.

© – AFP 2017

Read: At least two people dead and 24 injured in Las Vegas mass shooting>

Read: Catalan leader says region has won right to independence after 90% vote Yes in chaotic referendum>

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    Sep 4th 2016, 6:31 PM

    What do you do if you don’t own any ducks ?

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    Sep 5th 2016, 12:32 AM

    ahahahahaha

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    Sep 4th 2016, 7:09 PM

    if you want to have a successful career, make sure you understand that there may be bullies trying to make your life a misery. Talk to people and don’t ever think it is your fault. Make sure you research the company you work for in case they have a culture of ego and bullying, it could save your life.

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    Sep 5th 2016, 12:43 AM

    Even if you know some1 working in a company, they may not be forthcoming with information on the firms culture. I reckon most companies have a bullying & ego culture with plenty of inhouse bitching – anything to climb the ladder.

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    Sep 4th 2016, 6:58 PM

    I’m in ‘phase two’ and it’s definitely not easy. Studying is way down my list of day to day priorities and at the end of the day when all I want to do is go to bed out come the books. But it is worthwhile and it’s not permanent so it’s possible if you are determined. That said, can’t wait to be finished and have time to read a nice book that I won’t have an exam on!!

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    Sep 4th 2016, 6:33 PM

    Don’t feel you have to to University – it’s a good idea, if you can; but many fail to land a job in their field. Like scarecrows! Travel is imperative, to see other countries, cultures and ways of life. Particularly continental Europe, the UK and the USA.

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    Sep 4th 2016, 7:51 PM

    What about the middle east?

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    Sep 4th 2016, 7:58 PM

    I go to Furteventura on me holliers which gives me great insight into many different cultures. Working class English, Scots, Welsh, Dubs, you name it

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    Sep 5th 2016, 1:53 PM

    Hi Eoghan, speaking as a Director, how much pressure do bosses at The Communications Clinic put on their staff? How well do they encourage work/life balance?

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