70 Cops Injured in Paris Riots

More than 70 policemen were injured last night, five of them critically, as riots spread throughout the suburbs north of Paris. Teenagers burned dozens of cars, threw Molotov cocktails and fired guns at cops, the Guardian reports, in escalating anger over the death of two teens after their motorcycle collided with a police car Sunday. One officer was shot with a hunting rifle; police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Local youths blame police for the teens' deaths; police officials say the motorcycle was speeding and ignoring traffic rules. A state prosecutor has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Last night's violence was said to be more intense than the 2005 suburban riots, also prompted by the death of two youths electrocuted while fleeing police. (More Paris stories.)