Attackers slit French priest’s throat in church, shot dead by police

Police officers close off a road during a hostage situation in Normandy, France, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. (AP/AP)

By James McAuley July 26 at 6:01 AM 

PARIS — French police shot dead two attackers Tuesday who took hostages in a church in Normandy during Mass and slit the throat of a priest, French media reported.

At least one other person was injured, according to the Figaro Newspaper. France's Interior Ministry has said that the death toll may still rise.

France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor has begun an investigation, suggesting authorities believe the attack may be politically motivated in a nation still on the edge after a bloody July 14 attack that killed 84 in the Riviera city of Nice.

French President Francois Hollande and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve are on their way to the site of the attack in the city of Rouen.