France to impose curfews as rioting spreads

FRANCE announced plans yesterday to impose curfews on rundown suburbs hit by violence to try to halt almost two weeks of unrest in which one man has been killed, police said yesterday.

Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin promised a firm line against rioters after violence hit a new level on Sunday night.

Under growing pressure from opponents to end the violence, Villepin said: "Wherever it is necessary, prefects will be able to impose a curfew."