The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for the USA following a devastating New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans. Officials report that 15 people were killed, with many others injured, when a truck drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street early Wednesday, January 1.

The FBI has identified the driver as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42 year old US Army veteran from Texas, who navigated past a police barrier with a vehicle displaying the Islamic State group’s flag before crashing into partygoers. The driver, who was shot dead by police, is not thought to have acted alone, the FBI said.

An updated FCDO alert has been issued on Gov.uk’s USA travel page on Wednesday evening for Britons seeking assistance in New Orleans: “On 1 January, an individual drove a vehicle into a crowd of people in New Orleans.”

“Any British nationals in need of assistance should call +1 202 588 6500 or visit contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/emergency-help. In the UK, call +44 (0) 20 7008 5000.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has denounced the “shockingly violent” incident, extending his sympathies to the victims, their families, and all affected in the US.