The third major strike on France in 18 months prompted a bitter political spat over alleged security failings, and revelations over the church attack were likely to raise further questions. Mohammed Karabila, who heads the regional council of Muslim worship for Haute Normandie, where the church attack took place, asked simply: "How could a person wearing an electronic bracelet carry out an attack? Story continues below…Three hostages were lined up in front of the church door, meaning police could not launch an attack, said Molins. Saint Etienne's stone-and-brick town hall, a short distance from the church, became a communal grieving place as residents signed a condolence book and left candles and flowers. The nun, Sister Danielle, told local radio RMC that the men were speaking Arabic and shouting, and had "recorded" the attack.

Source: The Local July 27, 2016 02:03 UTC