New Orleans latest: Multiple fatalities after SUV ploughs into New Year's Eve partygoers in Bourbon Street

There was heightened security in the city, and specifically the famous French Quarter, when the attack happened Wednesday morning.

The New Orleans Police Department had said on Monday it would be staffed 'at 100 percent' and also have an additional 300 officers assisting.

In a statement, police said they would deply 'a strong presence of marked and unmarked police vehicles, as well as officers on foot, bike, and horseback.'

Video shared on social media of the aftermath of the attack shows injured bodies lying on Bourbon street.

People are seen standing over the bodies, which are in pools of blood, seemingly in shock as officials with long guns run down the area.

Authorities in New Orleans have told people to stay away from Bourbon Street as they investigate the incident.

Eyewitnesses have spoken to US media about the moment an SUV crashed into crowds of pedestrians celebrating the New Year in Bourbon Street.

Speaking to CNN, Kevin Garcia, 22, said:

Whit Davis, also 22, added:

So far we've not had a statement from the New Orleans Police Department but we've heard from the city’s official disaster preparedness agency, NOLA Ready.

The agency said:

A man, who claimed to witness the incident while on Bourbon Street with his wife, wrote on X that he saw an SUV 'speeding' down the road and 'running people over'.

Another alleged witness told WLWT that she saw the vehicle strike the crowd and started running, claiming she only escaped 'by the grace of god'.

The woman also claimed that multiple officers opened fire at the vehicle, trying to get the driver to stop, the TV news station reported.

Bourbon Street, famous for its many bars and clubs, has reportedly been shut down while investigators work the scene.

DailyMail.com has contacted New Orleans Police Department for more information.

At least 10 people dead and 30 left injured after an SUV allegedly plowed into crowds celebrating New Year on a popular party street in New Orleans.

The driver rammed into a large group near the intersection of Bourbon Street and Canal Street on Wednesday around 3.15am local time, city officials have confirmed.

Witnesses claim the suspect was 'wearing full body armor' and 'armed with an assault rifle', according to reports on social media.

Dozens of police officers have responded to what authorities have declared a 'mass casualty event' and a portion of the road has been cordoned off. Paramedics, ambulances and vehicles from the coroner's office were also seen at the scene.

Ambulances have transported the wounded to area hospitals, the city added, and police are continuing to investigate the incident.