Social tensions erupt in Paris train station riot

There have been clashes between French police and crowds of youths in one of Paris’ main railway stations. A number of people were hurt in the trouble that is said to have erupted after staff tried to check a passenger’s ticket. Witnesses say the incident in the Gard du Nord station escalated quickly and riot police arrived within minutes.

Commentators have suggested the violence was linked to tensions simmering since disturbances flared across the country two years ago. Some of the rioters were reportedly heard shouting slogans against Nicholas Sarkozy, the government’s candidate in next month’s presidential election.

He has recently quit as Interior Minister to focus on the vote. Sarkozy has made law and order a central theme of his campaign.

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