Two people were shot dead and five others wounded, some seriously, in a shooting in the southern French city of Nice, officials said on Saturday, as police launched a manhunt for the attackers.

Authorities said the incident is being investigated as a case of “premeditated murder by an organized gang.”

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi said the late Friday night shooting was linked to drug-related crime and involved the use of automatic weapons.

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

French media reported that the suspects remain at large and are being actively pursued by security forces.