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An unemployed security guard has been named as the would-be 'mass murderer' who deliberately drove his car into a packed pizza restaurant near Paris.

David Patterson, 32, faces life in prison after killing a 12-year-old girl and leaving 13 others injured.

One of them – an unidentified 44-year-old woman – remains in intensive care fighting for her life where her condition was tonight described as ‘extremely serious’.

The younger brother of the schoolgirl who died is believed to be among four people who were seriously hurt - with a further eight sustaining minor injuries.

Patterson is meanwhile said to have told police - who have ruled out terrorism - that he is a ‘manic depressive’ who ‘simply wanted to commit suicide'.

It was just after 8pm yesterday evening that his grey BMW mounted the pavement in Sept-Sorts, which is around 40 miles east of the French capital, and headed straight for the terrace of the Cesena Pizzeria.

(Image: @HoolaChoup/Twitter)

(Image: @alijeancorakci/Twitter)

(Image: AFP)

The car ended up smashed inside the restaurant - killing the unnamed schoolgirl instantly.

Patterson was arrested by police seconds after the atrocity which echoed similar attacks by French nationals claiming allegiance to Islamic State.

However a terrorist motive has already been discounted and Patterson faces trial for attempted mass murder and driving under the influence of drugs.

(Image: AFP)

(Image: Google Maps)

(Image: AFP)

Prosecutor Eric de Valroger, who is leading the inquiry, said: "He has a persecution complex, says he thought he was being followed, and that the police were investigating him.

"One of the reasons he put forward for the attack was that he would be arrested, and so be safe in prison."

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(Image: Google Maps)

(Image: REUTERS)

Patterson originally told officers that he had a Kalashnikov and other weapons in the boot of his car but this turned out to be false.

Today police including forensics specialists carried out a search of Patterson’s family home in nearby Ferte-sous-Jouarre in the Seine-et-Marne region of France.

(Image: REUTERS)

(Image: Getty)

Patterson, who is single, was living in his parents’ house after losing his last job as a security guard following an accident at work.

He claims to have tried to kill himself last week - and admitted to taking illegal drugs, mainly cannabis, since he was aged nine.

MirrorOnline reported last night how the driver was said by witnesses to have 'deliberately rammed' into the restaurant.