Turkey 'strongly' condemns church attack in France

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on a church in a northern French town, where two knifemen killed an elderly priest on Tuesday.

"We strongly condemn this attack that targeted a reverend and innocent people who were praying at a sacred place," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.

Turkey continues to be in solidarity and cooperation with France against terrorism, the statement said.

The country also conveyed its condolences to the French people and wished for the speedy recovery of the wounded, it added.

Two knife-wielding attackers were killed by police after taking the priest and other church-goers hostage in the town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, near Rouen.

The murdered priest was identified by the archbishop of Rouen as Jacques Hamel, 84.

The motive for the attack and the identity of the assailants are currently unknown, though remarks by French President Francois Hollande suggested Daesh involvement.

*Diyar Guldogan contributed to this story.