Police sniper shoots two by accident as Hollande speaks
A FRENCH police sniper caused panic after accidentally shooting two people during a speech by President Francois Hollande.
The marksman was stationed on a nearby rooftop to protect the French leader – but left the safety catch off his weapon.
He accidentally fired the gun while adjusting his position, shooting a bullet into the marquee where Mr Hollande was speaking. It passed through a cocktail waiter’s thigh before hitting another person in the calf – but the injuries were not life-threatening.
Earlier unconfirmed reports suggested the sniper had shot himself in the foot.
Security has been stepped up across France after a series of terrorist atrocities, including July’s Nice terror attack which killed 86 people.
The bizarre accident happened in Villognon, western France, as the head of state opened the new high- speed train line between Paris and Bordeaux.
Footage released by the Elysee Palace shows Mr Hollande calmly pause after hearing the gunshot.
He said: ‘I hope it’s nothing serious. I think not,’ before continuing his talk.
A police source said: ‘A shot rang out as the President was making a speech and there was clearly a great deal of concern.’
Mr Hollande later visited the injured parties. One is said to be the head waiter of a local hotel and the other an employee of a railway company. Officials say the marks- men is based with a special protection unit in nearby Poitiers.
A criminal inquiry has now been opened, with the officer facing allegations of negligence.
France is under a state of emergency, following a series of Islamist attacks.
Officials have stepped up efforts to round up would-be terrorists – four teenage girls were arrested yesterday on suspicion of planning a terror attack.