719 detained overnight in France as protest persists after police shooting of teen
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Paris: Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that at least 719 people were detained overnight in France amid violent protests against the police killing of a teenager, down from over a thousand the night before.
Although the Paris region was more peaceful Nice and Strasbourg saw more disturbances, and Marseille city experienced the worst conflicts, where the police had to resort to tear gas to keep the crowds under control.
Rioters rammed Paris suburb L'Hay-les-Roses mayor Vincent Jeanbrun's home and fired rockets at his wife and small children, BBC reported quoting police.
In a statement, Mayor Jeanbrun said: "It was an attempt at murder of incalculable cowardice."
In a tweet, Darmnain praised law and enforcement for their resolute action which led to a "calmer night."
The government has deployed 45,000 police personnel, special units, armoured vehicles and helicopters to maintain law and order.
The unrest is in response to the death of 17-year-old Nahel, who was shot dead during a traffic stop on Tuesday morning in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, CNN reported.
Meanwhile, the rioting in France has spread to Belgium, with dozens of arrests being reported.