France is likely to extend its state of emergency as the nation gears up for presidential elections.  That's the word from the prime minister.

Manuel Valls told the BBC in an interview that "It is difficult today to end the state of emergency", as the presidential campaign is a few weeks away, with meetings and public gatherings expected to take place. He said the state of emergency is effective.  It was introduced on the night of the Paris attacks and extended for six months in late July.

Valls stressed that he remains "very cautious" that coordinated attacks appeared to have diminished. But he warned of the possibility of individuals radicalized by ISIL through the Internet and carrying out attacks as in Nice.  In July there, a Tunisian man driving truck mowed down 86 persons.