18 Jul 2010

Shots fired, cars burned in Grenoble riot

10:19 am on 18 July 2010

The French government has vowed to restore order after rioting in the eastern city of Grenoble over a shooting by police.

Riots rocked the city's run-down suburb of Villeneuve on Saturday as people protested after a memorial service for a suspected armed robber killed during a police chase.

He was one of two men believed to have held up a casino, escaping with more than 20,000 euros.

At least 50 cars were burnt and police were fired on, although no one was injured.

The rioters also attacked a tram with baseball bats and iron bars.

Police arrested two men aged 18 and 20 for setting fire to vehicles and three more for attempted looting of shops.

Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux visited the scene after the unrest, and promised to restore order.