France launches attempted murder investigation after petrol bomb thrown at police
Prosecutors in France have launched an attempted murder investigation after petrol bombs were thrown at police during unrest, French media reported.
TL;DR
- French prosecutors have opened an attempted murder investigation following an attack on a police officer.
- A police officer suffered burns to his ankle and hand after a petrol bomb was thrown at him during protests in Paris.
- The officer described the incendiary device as "particularly sophisticated" with a greater burning capacity than a standard Molotov cocktail.
- Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called the act a "murder attempt" and vowed to find the perpetrators.
- The incident occurred during large, largely peaceful protests across France against the high cost of living and poor public services.
- Thousands of police were deployed, with tear gas used in some cities and over 770 arrests made on Saturday.
- No arrests have yet been made for the specific attack that set the officer on fire.
- Other officers sustained injuries, some from thrown paving stones.
- The Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) have reported dozens of protesters injured by "grenades" in recent demonstrations.
- France had previously suspended one type of stun grenade after a teenager lost a hand, though other models reportedly continue to be used.
- Similar protests related to cost-of-living issues and public services also took place in Germany and Italy.