French policeman 'punched in the face' and another left with 'broken finger' after assailant attempts to 'grab' officer's gun

The man, armed with a piece of glass, attacked three police officers from the Franciliens Networks Brigade (BRF) near the Paris police headquarters, on Rue de la Cité, in the 4th arrondissement.

The incident occurred around 12.45pm on Tuesday.

The attacker reportedly ran towards police while they were stationed near their headquarters.

The man then attempted to seize the handgun of one of the officers, while allegedly shouting “Allah Akbar,” according to French press.

The public prosecutor said one of the three officers was then injured by the attacker, who punched him in the face while they attempted to subdue him.

Once immobilized, the assailant once again tried to grab an officer’s service weapon, before three more officers arrived to assist in the situation.

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The Paris prosecutor’s office said one police officer suffered a cut on his hand while another ended up with a broken finger.

They added: “The man was carrying a piece of broken mirror, it has not been established that he used it.”

“He was taken to the central police station where he will be examined by a psychiatrist.”

Local media reports the suspect claimed to be a Sudanese national.

His motives for the attack remain unknown.

The prosecution emphasised that an investigation has been opened and entrusted to the judicial police.

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) has said it is “evaluating the procedure” to determine whether to take up the investigation.