Riots in Laval: violence and fires in the Saint-Nicolas district
A night of urban violence erupted in the Saint-Nicolas district in Laval, Mayenne. The prefect, mayor and president of the department condemned the incidents.
Night of riots in the Saint-Nicolas district in Laval
A night of urban violence shook Laval, a town of approximately 50,000 inhabitants in Mayenne, on the night of Friday to Saturday 12 September. The incidents were concentrated in the Saint-Nicolas district, a sector known to be sensitive. Vehicles were set on fire and a shop burned, according to images broadcast by local media including Ici Mayenne, reported by BFM TV.
Rapid response from law enforcement
The prefect of Mayenne, Nadège Baptista, condemned these "acts of violence and damage" in a message posted on X on Saturday morning. "The rapid mobilisation of law enforcement and firefighters made it possible to protect buildings and limit damage, which must not be repeated, neither tonight nor in the coming days," she stated.
Mayor calls for calm
The left-wing diverse mayor of Laval, Florian Bercault, for his part called for "calm and responsibility" on X. At midday, the mayor visited the Saint-Nicolas district to, in his own words, "show our support for residents, institutions and traders affected by these unacceptable acts".
Department president denounces "riots"
In a statement, the president of the Mayenne department, Olivier Richefou, for his part characterised the events as "riots". He emphasised the symbolic significance of the damage committed in this sector. "Targeting this place is targeting a local public service that supports families, children and the most vulnerable people every day," he stated.
Source: BFM TV