French riot cops probed after man, 27, dies after being hit by rubber bullet during protests

By Matt Rayson

A MAN hit by a police rubber bullet during riots in France has died, it emerged last night.

He was struck by a “flash-ball” projectile used by riot officers and suffered a cardiac arrest.

AFP

A man who was hit by a police rubber bullet during riots in France has died[/caption]

AP

French officials now fear the latest death may reignite further unrest[/caption]

Prosecutors are investigating Saturday night’s death in Marseille.

It was not revealed whether the man, 27, was a rioter.

Flash-ball guns are controversial in France after causing head injuries and even the loss of eyes.

Protests erupted across the country after Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old of North African descent, was shot dead by police during a traffic stop.

Thousands have been arrested and 45,000 cops deployed.

Officials fear the latest death may lead to new unrest after President Macron said this week its “peak” had gone.

He said: “’Is it a permanent return to calm? I will be cautious, but the peak that we’ve seen in previous days has passed.”

FAMILY HANDOUT/UNPIXS

Protests erupted across the country after Nahel Merzouk, 17, was shot dead by police during a traffic stop[/caption]

Source: French riot cops probed after man, 27, dies after being hit by rubber bullet during protests

Category: News, World News, Crime, Police, The Sun Newspaper