Police officer injured, two buses burned, trash fires: second evening of urban violence in Rillieux-la-Pape, near Lyon

After a first evening of violence, on Halloween evening, the town of Rillieux-la-Pape in the Rhône experienced a second night of tension, Friday evening. Around twenty people attacked TCL buses in the Lyon metropolitan area in the Velette district. Two buses were stoned and then vandals set them on fire. Images on social media show two buses on fire, emitting thick black smoke.

For fear of the flames spreading, residents of the buildings opposite left their apartments in the evening. No residents were injured. This is not the case for police officers. The police sent to the scene came under projectile fire. A police officer was injured in the face. The dispatch of the CRS to the site made it possible to restore calm at 11:20 p.m., reports Progress.

“The State will act firmly,” assures the Rhône prefecture on its X account. “Investigations are underway to find the perpetrators who will have to answer for their actions.” The CRS will remain mobilized all weekend in Rillieux-la-Pape.

The first violence broke out Thursday evening in the neighborhood for no known reason. Hooded young people set fire to several cars and trash cans. Three people were arrested. All are minors. They are aged 13 to 17. Mayor Horizons of Rillieux-la-Pape Alexandre Vincendet assures that parents will pay the consequences of their children's actions. “It goes without saying that these delinquents, all minors, and their parents, are exposed to the suspension of optional aid from the municipality and the municipal social action center,” indicates the elected official on his Facebook page.

Located in the northeastern suburbs of Lyon, Rillieux-la-Pape has just over 30,000 inhabitants.