A HEREFORD couple were among those who ran for their lives in the French city of Nice last night.

The latest reports state that 84 people were killed by a suspected terrorist who drove into crowds celebrating Bastille Day.

The Hereford couple went to France to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary and were eating in a restaurant when they saw the white lorry pass.

Shots would ring out seconds later as the driver ploughed into people watching the end of a fireworks display.

The couple, who are from the Hampton Dene area of the city, spoke to the Hereford Times this morning but did not want to be named.

"My wife was facing the street and saw the lorry came past," said the husband.

"We then heard this thumping noise and we soon realised someone was firing.

"People started running past us and we left too. A lady opened a gate to a private block of apartments and she let us in.

"She let another man in and he knew exactly what had happened.

"We waited there in the lobby for about 15 minutes and then went back to the restaurant to pay the bill.

"Our hotel was at the other end of the promenade and as we walked back there were just bodies everywhere. We lost count."

"It went on for over a mile and just showed how far the lorry had gone."

His wife added: "It was carnage. I don't think I have ever been as afraid and you cannot describe the feeling of running for your life. 

The tourist explained that they could have easily been among those watching the fireworks had the city not been so busy.

"There was so many people around that we struggled to find a place to eat," he added.

"We could have been among the crowd had we eaten earlier. We're still in a state of shock."

The couple are due to fly back to Hereford on Sunday and believe they will remain of the French coast until then.

They say the city is eerily quiet with large parts of the beach closed and one man who tried to go for a swim in the Mediterranean was ordered out of the water by soldiers this morning.

The couple noted that security was high before the attack with armed soldiers patrolling the older parts of the city while there were a number of ambulances parked up in side streets which were quickly called into action.

However, it quickly became apparent that many of those struck by the lorry could not be saved.

"We were very lucky we were not hurt," added the Hereford woman.

"But for so many, life will not be the same."