Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Investigators on the scene of the shootings in Montauban. AP Photo/Frederic Lancelot/PA Images

French investigators consider serial killer in soldier shootings

Three paratroopers have been shot dead in separate but similar attacks in France this week.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO the fatal shooting of two soldiers has been expanded to include specialists on serial killers and counterterrorism, according to French officials.

The two soldiers were killed and a third seriously injured as they stood by an ATM machine close to their barracks in Montauban, southern France yesterday. Witnesses said that the gunman fired from a motorbike and drove away from the scene.

French defence minister Gérard Longuet has travelled to meet their commanding officer Colonel Patrick Poitou to learn more about the attack and to provide support for their unit.

In a similar attack earlier in the week, a gunman on a motorbike shot a soldier dead in Toulouse.

The victims of both attacks were paratroopers. Investigators are now looking into any possible link between the murders and are concerned that paratroopers are being specifically singled out for the attacks.

Le Monde reports that officials have said that the same calibre weapon was used in both attacks, but noted that this does not mean the same weapon was involved.

- Additional reporting by the AP

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
3 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds