WASHINGTON, July 14 (Xinhua) -- President Barack Obama on Thursday condemned the deadly attack in Nice, France, and said the United States has offered assistance to the French authorities in their investigation.

"On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians," Obama said in a statement.

"I have directed my team to be in touch with French officials, and we have offered any assistance that they may need to investigate this attack and bring those responsible to justice," he added.

At least 77 people were killed and many others injured as a truck rammed into crowd in Nice, southern France, local TV channels reported early Friday, citing the prosecutor of Nice.