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Summer events cancelled in Paris over ‘lack of security’

Police in Paris have cancelled several summer events over concerns there would not be adequate security given the terror threat.

Summer events cancelled in Paris over 'lack of security'
A sniper at the top of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Photo: AFP
Police have cancelled several events from the summer calendar in France citing “a lack of suitable security guarantees”. 
 
Among these is the popular open-air cinema at the Parc de la Villette in north-eastern Paris and the car-free day on the Champs-Elysées on August 7th.

 
Earlier reports on Wednesday were unclear exactly which cinema was to be closed, but the Villette cinema confirmed itself that it would be shuttered “until further notice”. 

 
The Quai 54 basketball tournament was also scrapped. It was to feature a guest appearance by NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and was to be held this weekend near the Place de Concorde.
 
The Quai54 tournament. Photo: AFP
 
Police said in a statement that the move came after “careful consideration” into Paris safety following the Nice attacks, which left 84 killed. 
 
“The events in Nice have led the police chiefs to strengthen our vigilance and the presence of the police force,” police said.
 
It remains unclear if more events will be cancelled. 
 
Sunday August 7th would have seen pedestrians and cyclists flock to take over the famous Champs-Elysées avenue with cars barred from entering, but French police clearly are concerned about the security of the event.
 
The famed Paris Plages event, where the banks of the River Seine and the Bassin de la Villette are turned into temporary beaches, will continue but under heightened security. 
 
The police said during the opening hours of the Paris Plages, police and security forces would “have a presence along the river banks, at elevated positions and on bridges, to ensure the security of the public”.
 
Security has become a top issue for France once again after a man crushed a truck into a Bastille Day crowd in Nice last week, killing 84 people.