Euro 2016: Attempted murder inquiry into fan violence

French prosecutors have launched an attempted murder inquiry over attacks on two England football fans at Euro 2016 which left the victims gravely wounded.

The announcement came as French and British authorities expressed relief that England's victory over Wales in Lens passed without any serious spectator trouble.

The two England fans were among 35 people injured during three days of clashes in Marseille between England and Russia fans before their game last Saturday.

One of the badly hurt fans, in his 50s, is reported to have been hit on the head with an iron bar.

"We are still looking for those responsible for these events which are considered attempted murder," Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin said.

Investigators are studying security camera footage to track the attackers.

Mr Robin said the Marseille violence "was in large part provoked by particularly violent Russian supporters who wanted to show their supremacy over the English supporters."

French riot police fired tear gas and baton charged beer-fuelled England fans in Lille on Wednesday night when they crossed with Russian, Wales and Slovak fans in the city. Thirty-six arrests were made and 16 people were injured.

But England's 2-1 victory over Wales in the nearby city of Lens passed without serious incident.

Lens closed its schools and most shops followed in a near lockdown. The drink still flowed freely for the match however.

 

 

Author: 
ABC Australia