A British man has been confirmed as one of those killed in a deadly New Year’s Day vehicle attack in New Orleans.
Metropolitan Police confirmed they were supporting the family of Edward Pettifer, 31, of Chelsea, who was killed in the attack in Bourbon Street.
Authorities have confirmed at least 14 people died and least 39 others were injured when a man in a pick-up truck ploughed through crowds before he was gunned down by police.
Mr Pettifer’s family said in a statement: “The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed‘s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many.
Flowers lie next to candles at a memorial for the victims of the attack (Gerald Herbert/AP)
“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack.
“We request that we can grieve the loss of Ed as a family in private. Thank you.”
The New Orleans coroner gave Mr Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries”.
The attack took place in the city’s French Quarter at around 3am local time on New Year’s Day.
The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly drove through crowds before getting out of the vehicle and firing a gun before being shot by police.
The FBI confirmed an Islamic State flag was found inside the vehicle and explosive devices were found nearby.
It is believed he acted alone.