19 held as man's death in west France triggers violence, arson

PARIS - French police have arrested 19 people after violence erupted following the death of a young man in police firing, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Thursday.

Violence broke out late on Tuesday after local police shot a 22-year-old man dead at a checkpoint in Nantes, western France.

In a visit to the city, Philippe condemned the ensuing "acts of violence," which included arson, destroying public equipment and private facilities.

According to local reports, the man refused to comply with the police officers asking him to stop at the checkpoint and tried to back away.

He injured an officer while doing so, resulting in another policeman opening fire and killing him, local police were quoted by media as saying.

The death triggered violence in several areas. Protesters clashed with police and set fire to about 50 cars and a number of buildings, including shops and a police station.