Car ploughs into police van in Paris Champs-Elysees, armed suspect dead
June 19, 2017 23:47
A car loaded with gas canisters rammed into a police van on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris today, leaving the driver dead in what the interior minister said was an attempted attack.
According to media reports, a Kalashnikov rifle, handguns and gas bottles were found in the white Renault Megane.
Video showed orange smoke pouring from the car after the impact as the vehicle sat in the middle of the prestigious avenue which is lined with shops and cinemas.
The police and the army have consistently been attacked by extremists in France.
"Security forces have been targeted in France once again," Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said, calling the incident an "attempted attack".
The weapons and explosives found in the vehicle "could potentially blow this car up," he added.
Interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said bomb disposal experts were on the scene to "ensure the vehicle poses no further danger."
Later, the doors of the car and the bonnet were open as it was searched.
No police or bystanders were injured in the incident near the Grand Palais exhibition hall.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances