US owners of factory in French attack boost security worldwide

The US owners of the industrial gas factory attacked Friday in France said they had boosted security at their locations around the world as a precaution.

A suspected Islamist launched a daylight raid on the facility, pinning a severed head to the gates in what French President Francois Hollande called a "terrorist" attack.

"Security has been increased at locations around the world as a precautionary measure," Air Products said in a statement.

It has over 20,000 employees worldwide and operations in more than 50 countries, according to its website.

"All individuals working at the (French) site have been evacuated. The site is secure," the company said.

The attack occurred at a gas warehouse that has about 40 workers, while the production part of the facility -- which is across the road -- has 47 employees. It was not involved in the attack.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and want to express our sympathies to the family of the victim of this unspeakable tragedy," Air Products added.

The victim, who ran a delivery service, was the boss of the 35-year suspect Yassin Salhi who is now in police custody.

The gory discovery of the decapitated head is thought to be the first instance in France of a beheading during an attack -- which has become a trademark of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.