On Wednesday, a 35-year-old man drove his vehicle into pedestrians and cyclists on the French Atlantic island of Oléron, leaving ten people injured, four of them in serious condition, authorities said. The incident occurred along the main road between Dolus d'Oléron and Saint-Pierre d'Oléron, a popular route for tourists.

Police say the suspect, reportedly a resident of Oléron, shouted the Arabic phrase "Allahu akbar" after he was stopped. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, while investigators continue to determine his motive.

Officials indicated the driver intentionally targeted several people over a stretch of several kilometres. Emergency services transported the wounded to nearby hospitals as authorities secured the area and launched a full investigation.

Local leaders described the episode as deeply shocking for the small island community. Authorities stressed that inquiries are ongoing to clarify the circumstances and to assess any further risks to residents and visitors.

The attack underscores growing worries about deliberate vehicle assaults in public spaces across France and has prompted heightened vigilance from law enforcement.