The suspected Islamist who attempted to blow up a French chemical plant on Friday has admitted killing his manager beforehand.

Yassin Salhi (35) has told detectives that he beheaded his victim in a parking area before arriving at the plant just south of Lyon.

Examination of Salhi’s mobile phone has revealed he’d taken a picture of himself with the severed head sending the image to a Canadian phone number.

The recipient of the “selfie” is thought to be a French national who’s last known location was in Syria.

Police found the decapitated body of Hervé Cornara, framed by Islamic inscriptions at the plant which is owned by the US firm Air Products.
The company makes gases and chemicals and has employees in 50 countries around the world.

Salhi reportedly told police he had argued with Cornara before the killing.

Cornara (54) is said to have been an active member of the local community, campaigning for better amenities in the area.

Salhi is accused of ramming a vehicle into