France: Gunman, who shot dead 3 police officers, found dead

A man who allegedly shot three police officers dead in a French village has now been found dead, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Wednesday.

The police officers were responding to a call over domestic violence in the central region of Puy-de-Dome when they were shot by a 48-year-old man.

Police approached the house shortly after midnight and were hit by gunfire as they attempted to rescue a woman, local media reported.

The man initially shot and killed one officer and wounded another. Two other officers were then shot dead, according to the Clermont-Ferrand prosecutor’s office.

The woman, who was the reported victim of domestic violence, sought refuge on the roof of the house and was rescued safely by police.

A fourth officer was also injured in the shooting. The 48-year-old shooter had set fire to his house, according to Darmanin.

Darmanin said a large number of security forces – including elite police officers – were deployed to the area.