Brits issued holiday warning over violent clashes in France, check if it will affect your plans

Brits planning to visit France in the coming days were warned that they may be up for an unpleasant surprise as their trips may be disrupted by the riots.

Violent nationwide protests sparked by a police officer shooting of a teenager in Nanterre, have entered their fifth day today.

Brits who are already in the country are asked to stay away from the centres of violent clashes to avoid being swept up in curfew drama.

Those who are just planning their travels to France are urged to take maximum precautions and follow the latest updates in the media.

Find out what cities are affected by the unrest and how the possible disruption may affect you.

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France-bound travellers warned of possible disruptions

Tens of thousands of police were deployed in French cities amid the nationwide unrest following the shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk during a traffic stop in Paris suburb of Nanterre on Tuesday.

The force reportedly fired tear gas and fought street battles with protestors late into the night, with more than 700 people arrested on Saturday alone, bringing the total number of detained close to 3000.

Brits travelling to France were warned that fierce clashes may impact their plans and urged people to stay out of affected areas.

The UK Foreign Office said in updated advice:

Since 27 June, riots have taken place across France. Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted. There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews.

The authority urges tourists to ‘avoid areas where riots are taking place’, ‘check the latest advice with travel operators’ and ‘monitor the media’ as locations and timing of riots are unpredictable.

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How did the riots start?

Media reports that 17-year-old victim, Nahel Merzouk, who was too young to hold a full driving licence in France, was driving a car in the bus lane when police unsuccessfully tried to stop him on Tuesday morning.

As the driver refused to obey the force,weapons were drawn and a single shot was made because the policeman who fired it feared the teenager was going to hit him or his colleagues by the car, the prosecutor informed.

First aid failed to save the underage driver’s life. The officer faces preliminary charges of voluntary homicide.

Just like George Floyd’s killing by police in Minnesota, the incident fuelled the longstanding complaints of police violence and systemic racism against people of North African descent and led to nationwide protests across several cities.

According to the spokesperson for the national police, this year already saw three fatal shootings during traffic stops in France while last year there were a record 13 such incidents, with the majority of victims being Black or of Arab origin.

The violent clashes between police and protestors spread across the country throughout the week.

Affected cities include Toulouse, Lille, various Paris suburbs, Lyon, Pau and Marseille.

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Sources used:

- Daily Star: 'Brits issued travel warning as France given emergency curfew due to riots'

- Independent: 'Paris shooting: Where are the riots in France and why are they happening?'