Anti-terror investigators believed to be on Nice attack case

France's anti-terrorism investigation department was asked to take over inquiries into the Thursday night attack in which dozens were killed by a truck that mowed through crowds of people in the southern coastal resort town of Nice, media reported.

Police officers and rescue workers stand near a van that ploughed into a crowd leaving a fireworks display in the French Riviera town of Nice on July 14, 2016. Source: Getty Images

In the immediate aftermath of an incident which initial reports said killed upwards of 77 people, officials declined to formally declare the attack as terrorist assault pending further news.

But several French media said the anti-terrorist investigation department had been put on the case.

A lawmaker for the Alpes-Maritime region, Eric Ciotti, said at least 75 people had been killed and another 15 were in a "critical" condition.

Guns and grenades have been found inside the truck that rammed into a crowd at the beachfront southern French city of Nice, local government chief Christian Estrosi told BMF TV.

The government said the driver of the truck was shot dead after barrelling down the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, sending hundreds of terrified people fleeing and leaving the seaside path strewn with fallen bodies.

"An individual drove a truck into the crowd. He was killed by police," said interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet.

A photograph showed the front of the truck riddled with bullet holes and badly damaged, with burst tyres.

If you have any concern about family and friends, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre can be reached on 1300 555 135 or [phone] if calling from overseas.