Flags were flown at a sombre half-mast across the region in mourning for the dozens killed and scores injured in Nice.

Eastern Daily Press: City Hall in Norwich lit up in colours of the TricolourCity Hall in Norwich lit up in colours of the Tricolour (Image: Archant)

Norwich City Hall lit up in the red white and blue of the Tricolour from 9pm, and Union Jacks were lowered at Norwich Castle, Cromer Town Council, Breckland Council, South Norfolk Council and Waveney District Council.

Police are also on high alert in the wake of the latest massacre in France, and say they are making 'every possible effort' to ensure security.

In response to the horrific murders, police and crime commissioner for Norfolk Lorne Green said the county is 'well prepared' in the face of such threats.

'We had a counter- terrorism exercise at the Castle Mall only a few weeks ago when we demonstrated excellent capability and co-operation,' he said.

'While, of course, it's impossible to predict, in terms of safety and security, in this county we are as prepared as we can be when we are facing the unknown.'

With the current UK threat level at severe, public events are being policed closely.

Assistant chief constable for Norfolk and Suffolk, Sarah Hamlin, said: 'Every public event that attracts a significant attendance sees police work closely with the Safety Advisory Group where organisers and partner agencies work together to ensure safety is a priority.'

One of the region's MEPs, Richard Hewitt, warned against allowing the shock of events in Nice to divide society.

'It is important that we do not let this latest attack inflame our society into anger, a backlash and further division, which is what the terrorists ultimately want,' he said.

'Instead we must choose to stand in unity and peace, refusing to be provoked. This is now the time for all moderate, reasonable and sensible people to reject extremism in all its forms.'