France church attack: In pictures
- Published
French emergency services were summoned to the town of Saint Etienne-du-Rouvray, near Rouen, on Tuesday morning.
Two attackers, claiming to be from the so-called Islamic State group, had entered the town's church, seen here in the background.
Security forces took up position in the town's usually quiet streets.
The attackers killed the elderly priest, Father Jacques Hamel, and took four worshippers hostage.
With police cordoning off the streets, security forces surrounded the church and shot dead the attackers. The hostages were freed. One of them is being treated for serious injuries.
An elite police unit later raided a house belonging to a suspect linked to the attack.
Prosecutors say one person was arrested.
Police remained on the streets of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, as homes were searched.
French President Francois Hollande visited the town, meeting local officials and members of the security forces.
A makeshift memorial has been set up for the priest outside the town hall.
The town's residents have been gathering at the scene, many of them in shock.
At the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, worshippers attended a mass in memory of the priest.
Similar ceremonies have been held across France - including this one at the Saint Jean cathedral in Lyon.
French soldiers have also been deployed at other religious sites, such as this church in Toulouse.
- Published26 July 2016
