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The outskirts of Roye in northern France. Google Streetview

Toddler among three killed in shootout at French gypsy camp

Witnesses said a fight erupted in the camp and a man, who may have been drunk, started shooting when police turned up to investigate.

A MAN SHOT dead four people “in cold blood”, including a toddler and policeman, at a gypsy camp in northern France on Tuesday, officials said.

Three other people, including the gunman, were seriously wounded in the attack, which took place in the northern town of Roye, about 110 kilometres north of Paris.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve told reporters three people had been killed “in cold blood” including a six-month-old baby, a man and a woman.

A policeman who was badly wounded in the attack later died of his injuries, and a three-year-old child and another policemen were both said to be in serious condition.

The toddler went into cardiac arrest and has been put under ventilatory support, local authorities said.

Witnesses said a fight erupted in the camp and a man, who may have been drunk, started shooting when police turned up to investigate.

The gunman was also said to be in serious condition, they said.

“This is a really tragic case,” Cazeneuve told reporters, saying the family had been “decimated by the killer”.

President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister Manuel Valls expressed shock over the incident, sending their condolences to the families of the dead and wounded.

“My thoughts are with the families, with the victims and the policeman killed in the service of France,” said Valls on Twitter.

In a statement released by his office, Hollande hailed the “courage and commitment” of the police officers who responded to the incident, extending condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the attack.

- © AFP 2015.

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    Mute Bill Madden
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    Aug 25th 2015, 6:56 PM

    Tis their culture!!!

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    Mute Alan White
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    Aug 25th 2015, 6:59 PM

    How original of you.

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    Mute Crocodylus Pontifex
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    Aug 25th 2015, 7:20 PM

    There is trouble in the gypsy village

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    Mute Cynical Samwidge
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    Aug 25th 2015, 9:11 PM

    I’m wondering if a wedding broke out? that’s what happens over here anyways

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    Mute gkrell
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    Aug 25th 2015, 11:16 PM

    I would be hate to serve in the police in modern Europe.

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    Mute Toddimus Maximus
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    Aug 26th 2015, 12:15 AM

    Everyone so quick to judge and tar people with one brush. A gunman walked into a village of Romani Gypsies and opened fire, killing a child and two others. I give up on humanity..

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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Aug 25th 2015, 11:17 PM

    Only in America, so?

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    Mute Robert English
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    Aug 26th 2015, 3:22 AM

    Where the foog were the US Marines?

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