Several injured as police breaks up illegal rave party in France
A 22-year-old man lost his hand and several others were injured as police tried to break up an unauthorised rave party in western France, authorities said on Saturday, according to Euronews.
Five security officers were wounded in the clashes, prefect Emmanuel Berthier told reporters at a press conference. The tensions erupted in a field near the Brittany town of Redon on Friday night.
Police repeatedly fired tear gas and charged clusters of violent partygoers who hurled metal balls, gasoline bombs and other projectiles at security forces, according to Berthier.
Local authorities estimated about 1,500 people took part. More than 400 officers were mobilised for the operation.
The rave party was held in tribute to Steve Maia Caniço, a young man who died in western France at a techno concert. The 24-year old fell into the Loire river as police intervened to shut down the party, prompting criticism over their heavy-handed approach.