Strasbourg residents awoke to heavy security and a solemn atmosphere today, following yesterday's terrorist attack.

The Malta Independent's Editor in Chief Rachel Attard and News Editor Neil Camilleri are on site in Strasbourg today, reporting on the situation.

Everyone heading into the city centre is being searched, and people are being told not to congregate, they reported.

While on site, Attard and Camilleri both viewed cleaners washing away the blood of last night's assault.

The European Parliament has also been affected, and even the Sakharov prize ceremony saw a lower than usual turnout.

At the opening of a debate with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, on the future of Europe today in Strasbourg, President Antonio Tajani expressed his sorrow for the victims of yesterday's terror attack on the city of Strasbourg - the seat of the European Parliament.

"I express all my sorrow for the victims and loved ones of the attacks in Strasbourg, a city that is a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Yesterday's criminal act was an attack on our way of life. Nevertheless, we must continue to work to demonstrate that the strength that we draw from freedom and democracy will always win over violence, crime and terror", said the President of the European Parliament.

A minute of silence is held today at 12.30 in the plenary chamber.

French authorities detained five people as they hunted Wednesday for a suspected extremist who sprayed gunfire at one of Europe's most famous Christmas markets in the eastern city of Strasbourg, killing three and wounding at least 13 and putting the whole country on edge anew.

The Maltese Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion wishes to inform that so far there are no reports of any Maltese being among the victims or injured in the attack.

Photos and Video: Andre Camilleri