France riots: 40,000 officers deployed across country after fatal police shooting of teenager in Paris

France’s government has announced the deployment of 40,000 extra police across the country following days of riots after the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy by an officer during a traffic stop.

“The state must be firm in it’s response, tonight 40,000 police officers will be mobilised, including 5,000 in the Paris region, versus 9,000 yesterday,” said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

It comes as Pascal Prache, public prosecutor of Nanterre – where the shooting took place and has sparked violent protests nationwide – said the officer is being investigated for “voluntary homicide”.

Two magistrates will lead the investigation into the death of the teenager, who was wounded by a gunshot and died at the scene.

The prosecutor told a news conference on Thursday “the conditions for the legal use of the weapon were not met”, adding he has requested the officer be held in custody.

At least 150 people have been arrested in France following a second night of protests over the killing.

Read more: Sky News