Britons issued urgent travel warning as France plunged into ‘violent and unpredictable’ chaos
An image of riots in France and holidaymakers
Reuters/PA
British holidaymakers have been issued with an urgent warning as France continues to face “violent” and “unpredictable” chaos following the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy.
The Foreign Office yesterday updated its advice for tourists crossing the Channel to account for rioting and other acts of violence which engulfed the nation this week.
It said: “Since June 27, riots have taken place across France.
“Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted.
French police stand in position as fireworks go off during clashes with youthReuters“There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced.
“Some local authorities may impose curfews. Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable.
“You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities.”
Nearly 1,000 people in France were arrested last night as unrest continues to grip the nation.
French President Emmanuel Macron ReutersThe situation reached boiling point after a French teenager of North African origin, later identified as Nahel M, was shot in the chest at point-blank range on Tuesday morning.
He was killed after allegedly refusing to comply with a vehicle stop-check.
Footage from the shooting appeared to contradict claims initially made by officers which suggested the driver attempted to run them over.
A 38-year-old policeman has been charged with voluntary homicide following Nahel’s death.
A French police officer stands guard next to vehicles burnt during a night of clashes between protesters and police
Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron is facing increasing calls to declare a state of emergency, with National Rally leader Marine Le Pen urging for the measure to be enforced in “certain sectors”.
Macron, who was pictured at a Sir Elton John Concert earlier this week, cut short a European Council meeting in Brussels yesterday as he confirmed there were “no taboos” on the measures he could take.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne added that “all options” to restore order were on the table.
A state of emergency would enable authorities to enact localised curfews, ban demonstrations and give police more freedom in restraining suspected rioters.
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