France's interior minister says a gunman "sowed terror" in three parts of the eastern city of Strasbourg with a shooting spree that killed three people and left six others with serious injuries.
Earlier police union officials had said four people were killed. Officials did not explain the reason for the conflicting death tolls.
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said early Wednesday that some 350 security officers and two helicopters are involved in the search for the assailant after the Tuesday night attack.
He told reporters in Strasbourg that France is raising its terror alert level and sending security reinforcements to Strasbourg. At the same time, he said the city is lifting its confinement order after hours of lockdown in multiple neighborhoods.
A terrorism investigation has been opened. The motive for the attack is unclear.