Man in gun drama as French president passes

French police have arrested a man who pulled a rifle out of a guitar case as French President Jacques Chirac was inspecting troops.

It happened during the annual Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees.

Cries of alarm from members of the crowd lining the parade route apparently alerted police to the gunman's presence.

Police wrestled the man to the ground and then stood him up against a fence where he was searched before being taken away in a van.

Paris police said the gun was a .22 caliber.

It was not known whether Chirac was aware of the gunman. No shots were heard.

The military parade, a colourful pageant with troops, armoured vehicles and aircraft roaring overhead, continued uninterrupted.

The parade is a highlight of celebrations marking Bastille Day, France's national holiday.

The man managed to reach the flag-bedecked Champs-Elysees despite heavy security.