French riot cops probed after man, 27, dies after being hit by rubber bullet during protests

A MAN hit by a police rubber bullet during riots in France has died, it emerged last night.

He was struck by a “flash-ball” projectile used by riot officers and suffered a cardiac arrest.

Prosecutors are investigating Saturday night’s death in Marseille.

It was not revealed whether the man, 27, was a rioter.

Flash-ball guns are controversial in France after causing head injuries and even the loss of eyes.

Protests erupted across the country after Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old of North African descent, was shot dead by police during a traffic stop.

Thousands have been arrested and 45,000 cops deployed.

Officials fear the latest death may lead to new unrest after President Macron said this week its “peak” had gone.

He said: “’Is it a permanent return to calm? I will be cautious, but the peak that we’ve seen in previous days has passed.”