Paris, July 2: At least 719 people were arrested overnight across France as violent protests against the police killing of a teenager continued for a fifth straight night, down from over a 1,000 the previous night, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced.

Although Paris region was calmer, Nice and Strasbourg witnessed more disturbances while Marseille city saw worst clashes where the police used teargas to control crowd. France Riots: 471 People Arrested As Violent Protests Continue for Fourth Straight Night Against Police for Killing Teenager.

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." France Riots: 45,000 Police Officers Deployed To Deal With Night Rioting After Police Officer Fatally Shot Teenager in Nanterre (Watch Videos).

The government has deployed 45,000 police personnel, special units, armored 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.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2023 03:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).