Chaos in France as police open fire in busy street in broad daylight - onlookers terrified
ARMED police have opened fire at a vehicle on a busy street in France, leaving onlookers terrified.
France: Police respond to incident in Rosny-sous-Bois
Video footage filmed from a bus and posted on Twitter shows a police motorcyclist opening fire on the street in Rosny-sous-Bois, located in the eastern suburbs of Paris. A car is seen speeding away in reverse as the armed officer approaches. Police were attempting to apprehend the driver of the car, before it attempted to flee.
Passengers aboard the bus are seen ducking to the floor to take cover as the chaotic scene unfolds just feet away from them.
The Prefecture of Police, serving the public of Paris and inner suburbs, wrote on Twitter: “In Nogent, refusal to comply with a vehicle which fled towards Rosny, taken in charge by the police.
"The vehicle turned around and struck the motorcycle of one of the police officers, which fell to the ground.
"The police used their administrative weapon. The vehicle has fled.”
Jean Paul Fauconnet, the Mayor of Rosny-sous-Bois, wrote on his Facebook page: "Following a lawsuit in Champigny-sur-Marne, the National Police force attempted to apprehend an individual at the wheel of a car.
"In the face of the driver's attempt to force, police officials were forced to open fire in Rue Jean Jaurès."
He added the situation is "under control".
Alere France wrote on Twitter: "Rosny-sous-Bois - Rue Jean Jaurès is blocked to vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the RER footbridge.
"Police operation in progress."
Rosny-sous-Bois is located around 10 kilometres (6.3 miles) from the centre of the French capital.
In 2017, it had a population of just over 46,000 people.