A man who appeared to chase a knifeman around a park in the French Alps has been labelled a hero in France.
Known by just his first name, Henri was seen in videos shared on social media chasing the attacker around a park in Annecy as he lashed out at children and adults.
Henri, 24, is travelling across the country visiting various cathedrals and was visiting the lakeside town at the time of the attack.
He told Cnews: "What I know is that I was not there by chance. On my Chemins des Cathedrales (cathedral tour) I crossed paths with this man.
"I reacted instinctively. I did not think. To me, it was unthinkable not to do anything.
"I reacted how every French person should. Which means, I followed my instinct and did everything I could to protect the weak."
He met Emmanuel Macron this afternoon as the French President visited the scene to talk to police officers involved in arresting the attacker.
The devout Catholic said he had felt a strong force inside him pushing him to act.
"I let myself be guided by providence and the Virgin Mary. I said my adieu. They would decide what would happen," he said.
In videos shared on social media, Henri can be seen wearing a rucksack and carrying another which he waves it at the attacker who tries to slash him with his knife.
Another video shows Henri, who is wearing dark grey trousers and a dark-coloured t-shirt, chasing the attacker across a patch of grass.
Henri said other young people had also pursued the attacker. "We tried to scare him and make clear he could not do what he wanted," he said.
Police said they arrested a Syrian refugee over the attack and told journalists the suspect had been carrying Christian insignia.
Asked about the suggestion that attacker may have been Christian, Henri said it made no sense.
"It is profoundly unchristian to attack the vulnerable. The entire Christian civilisation on which our country is built is a knightly message to defend widows and orphans. I think that, on the contrary, something very bad inhabited him."
He said he would continue his months-long walking tour and hoped to show social media followers "how the beauty of the cathedrals can nourish us and help us do the right thing".
"Because of these events, I will be able to reach more people. I thank heaven," he told BFM television.
Translated to English, the philosophy and management student posted to his Instagram story yesterday evening: "Thank you for all your messages of support!
"My thoughts are with the victims and their parents. I hope that they will get through this.
"The adventure does not stop. We will meet again soon."
Hundreds of people flooded his Instagram and Facebook comments to thank him for his efforts.
