A large police force converged on the French city of Tourcoing to combat roving gangs who have been wreaking havoc for days, according to reports.
Roughly 130 officers from multiple branches of the French National Police – including riot control and undercover specialists – were deployed to reinforce municipal patrols who have been overwhelmed amid four consecutive nights of ‘urban violence’ in the region.
The chaos reportedly kicked off on Saturday night after police observed a young male performing a ‘wild rodeo’ on a motorcycle as he taunted them before falling off the bike and claiming to be injured.
As officers approached him, a crowd quickly formed and began throwing objects. Since then, the city has resembled a war zone with groups of insurgents setting fires and attacking police with explosives, stones, and other projectiles.
The chaos has also spilled over into neighboring towns at times, as well.
“Urban violence also broke out in the neighbouring town of Marcq-en-Barœul around 11:30 p.m. Police officers on patrol have been targeted on several occasions,” Actu 17 reports.
Forsided, 22.04.2021