Shooting leads to French riots

FRENCH authorities have called for calm after clashes between protesters and police in the city of Nantes.

The violence broke out after an officer shot dead a 22-year-old driver who was trying to avoid a police checkpoint. Protesters in Nantes set fire to shops and buildings in three poor neighbourhoods across the city.

Interior minister Gerard Collomb condemned the violence. Prosecutors have opened a judicial inquiry, while police have launched an internal probe looking at the officer’s actions.