Man shot, 160 arrested as riots erupt across France following World Cup loss

Violence and chaos have erupted once again across France following their World Cup defeat to Spain.

Paris and Lyon have both been hit by riots, with fire burning and heavily armed police deployed.

In Lyon, a man was shot and wounded as the match was ending, with France falling to a 2-0 semifinal exit at the hands of their neighbours.

Two suspects fled the scene on a scooter, with the reason for the attack unknown, according to French outlet ActuLyon.

Tear gas was set off by police in the city in an attempt to disperse crowds, with four people arrested for throwing projectiles.

It is estimated that at least 160 arrests have been made across the country, with police officers attacked.

Many of the arrests were related to the use of firework mortars aimed at law enforcement and emergency services, a source at the Paris Police Prefecture told BFMTV.

No one was injured in Paris or Lyon, with no major property damage being reported.

Police praised the majority of fans who acted responsibly after the shock defeat.

The game took place on the same day as Bastille Day – an annual holiday in France – with planned celebrations pushed back so people could watch the game.

France had deployed an extra 70,000 security personnel across the country due to the World Cup and Bastille Day clashes.

It comes after precautions were put in place to prepare for a potential unruly aftermath of France’s quarter-final tie with Morocco.

There was also unrest following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final a few weeks ago, with significant damage to property and fires breaking out across Paris.