French prisons came under attack last night with several vehicles set on fire and automatic weapons fired. French justice minister Gerald Darmanin said: "Attempts have been made to intimidate staff in several prisons, ranging from burning vehicles to firing automatic weapons. I am going to Toulon to support the officers concerned. The French Republic is facing up to the problem of drug trafficking and is taking measures that will massively disrupt the criminal networks." French media said at least six prisons have been targeted. 

The FO Justice prison guard union voiced its “deep concern and anger” after what it described as a series of “extremely serious” overnight attacks.

In a string of posts on X, the union shared photos of bullet-riddled windows at Toulon prison and charred vehicles in other prison car parks.

It urged the government to act swiftly to guarantee the safety of prison staff.

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