Lunchtime News.Wednesday July 1st 2020

Fire warnings-The Alpes Maritimes has launched its fire prevention programme for the summer as the weather heats up and the risk of forest fires increases.

17 extra fire trucks have been brought into service and there will be additional air support available.

Temperatures have been climbing in recent days increasing the risk of fires. A similar campaign is underway in the Var.

Police attacks-The Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has condemned the increasing numbers of violent attacks on police officers in city following another incident.

A couple have been arrested in the west of Nice during which a 30 year old woman municipal police officer was pulled by the hair ,bitten and pushed to the ground.3 other officers were slightly injured before the couple were brought under control and apprehended.

The most seriously injured officer lost consciousness after hitting her head on the pavement when she was pushed to the floor.She’s receiving hospital treatment at Pasteur 2.

Fall mystery- Enquiries are continuing after a 17 year old boy fell from the third floor of an apartment block on the rue Sainte-Antoine in Cannes on Sunday.

Fortunately ,the boy’s injuries are not life-threatening and he’s receiving hospital treatment for a punctured lung at the Lenval Children’s hospital in Nice.

The victim’s brother and two “friends” are being held in custody in connection with the incident.

Police found a number of empty bottles of alcohol and a “ complete mess” inside the flat when they searched it.

The three young men in custody ,who fled the scene after the incident are still being questioned.

Beach ban-The Landsberg beach in Saint Laurent du Var will be closed for the entire summer because of persistent traces of harmful bacteria in the sea water.

Authorities say the shallow depth of the water is allowing the bacteria to proliferate and a solution needs to be found before swimming can be allowed again.

Drug busts-Police in Antibes have broken up a cannabis dealing ring which had been supplying customers in the old town area.

Police caught one of the vendors in the act and searched his flat during which a large amount of the drug was seized along with an important sum of cash.

The 30 year old man has been placed in custody pending trial in Grasse.

In National News.

Government reshuffle- Reports say that President Macron will proceed with a government reshuffle sometime before the 8th of July.

Mr Macron needs to improve his approval ratings which are hovering at around 38 percent and he’s thought to be considering replacing Prime Minister Edouard Philippe despite his relative popularity.

The first meeting of the French Cabinet since the local elections in which Mr Macron’s La Republique en Marche party suffered big defeats is due to be held on the 8th of July.

Cycle lanes-The Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo is reported to be considering making temporary cycling lanes in the city permanent features.

The Mayor ,who was re-elected in Sunday’s local elections is keen to make Paris a greener and more environmentally friendly city.

The mayor argues that cycle lanes in the city will reduce traffic congestion and limit the use of cars.

A vote at the city council will be needed for the plan to go ahead.Anne Hidalgo and her allies control 96 of the 163 on the council.