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World Cup 2018: Two France fans die while celebrating as violence erupts after Les Bleus’ final victory

Chaos as widespread looting and rioting mars victory

Monday 16 July 2018 10:27 BST
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World Cup celebrations turn violent in Paris

Two French football fans have died after violence erupted following the country’s World Cup victory.

Celebrations turned to widespread rioting and looting after France beat Croatia 4-2 in the final to win the tournament for the second time.

Police used water cannons and fired tear gas on crowds in central Paris as celebrations soon turned violent.

Around 30 people, many with their faces covered, broke windows of shops on the Champs Elysees, according to eyewitnesses, Sky News reported.

In the city of Annecy, 350 miles east of Paris, a 50-year-old man died after he jumped into a canal and broke his neck following Les Bleus' victory.

Meanwhile, in Saint-Felix, a man believed to be in his 30s died after his car crashed into a tree as he was celebrating.

In the city of Nancy a three-year-old boy and two six-year-old girls were also seriously injured after they were struck by a motorcycle during celebrations.

Elsewhere, there were also clashes in Lyon between police and approximately 100 people, as those celebrating climbed on top of vehicles.

At least ten people were arrested in Marseille, where two members of the security forces were injured in clashes, a police spokesman said.

A total of 4,000 police and security forces were deployed to control the celebrations.

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