A mob of rioters linked to France’s Yellow Vest movement tried to storm the intensive care unit of the Paris hospital where Princess Diana died, it has emerged.
In unprecedented scenes that have caused shock and outrage across France, agitators wearing black masks and carrying improvised weapons attacked the Pitie-Salpetriere.
Footage on Twitter appeared to show police chasing protesters near the hospital buildings, through an open gate.
The invasion unfolded at about 4.30pm yesterday towards the end of chaotic May Day protests across Paris that saw almost 300 people arrested as riot cops piled in and removed the protesters.
Hospital director Marie-Anne Ruder told France Inter: “Fortunately, quick thinking staff a dozen doctors, nurses, caregivers and interns got behind the door to prevent intrusion.
“They were determined to protect the patients.
“The staff is deeply shocked that the hospital could become a target — it was a very painful moment for all those who experienced this violent and brutal intrusion.”
Within minutes police reached the unit on the first floor and overpowered the protesters, French media reported. Police detained about 30 of them.
French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, who went to the scene during the fracas, described it as an “attack” by “black block” far-left, anti-capitalist militants.
The black-clad militants have been accused of vandalising property during repeated yellow-vest clashes with police in the past six months.