PARIS — Two people were shot dead and five others injured, some seriously, in southern France’s coastal city of Nice, reported German Pres Agency (dpa).

Officials on Saturday said an investigation is underway on suspicion of premeditated murder by an organised gang.

The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, said the shooting late on Friday evening was linked to drug crime and that automatic weapons had been used.

He called for a permanent increase in police presence in the affected neighbourhood.

Reinforcements were deployed after the incident to ensure security at the location, a known problem area prone to violent crime, the prefecture said.

According to French media, the suspects were still on the run. A search was underway.