France has ordered an inquiry into policing in Nice as it faces intense criticism over security on the night of last week's deadly truck attack.
French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve announced the move after accusations that policing arrangements were insufficient for national holiday celebrations when the attacker drove a large truck into a no-traffic zone, killing 84 as they left a fireworks display.
The inquiry by France's Police Inspectorate will look into how the area was cordoned off for the traditional Bastille Day festivities on July 14 and how it was patrolled.
The move has been welcomed by Christian Estrosi, the head of the regional government in southeast Riviera coast area where Nice is located.
The right-wing politician has led the charge against the Socialist government, accusing it of light-handed security and also of misleading the public on precise policing arrangements.
Tunisian delivery man Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel was able to drive a 19-tonne truck along a packed sea-front promenade that was cordoned off and mow down dozens of locals and foreigners before he was shot dead by police.
Much of the controversy over policing, beyond the system of road blocks easily breached by the truck, centres on the shared patrol duties of different units of police, some of whom answer to local government and others to central government.
Reuters
