Man dies in Corsica violence

A man has been killed and several holiday homes attacked on Corsica ahead of the French island’s celebration of national identity.

The local government said explosives went off in nine second homes last night in the southern part of the island. None were occupied. French media have reported that another 15 were hit elsewhere on the island. A man was also shot during the night.

A recent spate of killings has drawn national attention to the island.

Much of the violence is linked to criminal gangs, but a homegrown nationalist movement mounted a bombing campaign two decades ago.

Today is celebrated by some as Corsica’s “national day,” marking the 18th-century adoption of a constitution on the island, before it was taken over by the French.