French officer to be charged in fatal election night shooting

A 24-year-old police officer is being charged with 'wilful violence' after he killed two people on the night of the re-election of President Emmanuel Macron
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The officer used his assault rifle when the car came hurtling towards his colleagues on the Pont Neuf bridge [Getty]

A Paris police officer is set to be charged with "wilful violence" after he opened fire on a car in the heart of the capital on Sunday night, killing two people just hours after President Emmanuel Macron was re-elected.

The officer used his assault rifle when the car came hurtling towards his colleagues on the picturesque Pont Neuf bridge late on Sunday -- just as Macron's election victory was wrapping up a few kilometres (miles) away.

The 24-year-old was taken into custody afterwards for questioning as part of an internal inquiry, and prosecutors determined there appeared to be no grounds for self-defence and instead a likelihood that he responded with excessive force.

He is to go before a judge later on Wednesday where he is expected to be charged.

A police report of the incident seen by AFP said the car was parked the wrong way with its hazard lights flashing on the banks of the Seine, prompting the five-person foot patrol to investigate.

When confronted, the driver suddenly sped off, hurtling towards one officer who managed to jump out of the way.

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The two occupants who were killed had extensive criminal records, while a third person was injured.

The officer with the assault rifle fired around a dozen rounds, with "five or six shots hitting the occupants".

Inquiries are still underway, but the officer is facing a charge of "wilful violence with a weapon by a person in authority", as well as a charge of wilful violence resulting in someone's death.

The officer's lawyer declined to comment when contacted by AFP.