France shooting: Three police killed, fourth wounded after domestic violence call

The police officers, including a fourth who was wounded in the incident, were shot by a 48-year-old man as they attempted to rescue a woman

Credit: Reuters

Three police were shot dead and a fourth wounded in Puy-de-Dome in central France early on Wednesday after being called out to a domestic disturbance.

A manhunt was launched and the suspected gunman was later found dead, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Twitter.

The officers were shot as they attempted to rescue a woman in a house in an isolated hamlet near the village of Saint-Just south of the city of Clermont-Ferrand.

Police had approached the house shortly after midnight and were targeted by gunfire.

The man initially shot and killed one officer and wounded another, before setting fire to the house.

Two further officers, responding to the scene, were then fired on and killed, according to the Clermont-Ferrand prosecutor’s office.

The woman sought refuge on the roof of the house and was rescued safely by police. She was being questioned by police.

Police reinforcements were rushed to the scene, and all roads leading to the house were blocked off.

France’s interior ministry said the three gendarme officers killed in the incident were aged 21, 37, and 45.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin paid tribute to the officers who were killed. "The nation bows down before their courage and commitment," he wrote on Twitter. 

The gunman was said to be known to authorities for charges relating to child custody issues.

Firefighters are also on site attempting to control the blaze.