Boy killed during violent clashes between fans of France and Morocco

A boy has been killed in clashes that broke out after yesterday’s World Cup semi-final between France and Morocco.

Riot police had to be deployed in some areas after fans were involved in violent street confrontations.

France ended Morocco’s historic run at the tournament last night with a 2-0 win despite a spirited performance from the underdogs.

Police had prevented disturbances before the match started due to the close and complex ties between the two countries.

There are more than one million people in France of Moroccan heritage, a legacy of decades of French rule in parts of North Africa.

Morocco became the first African and first Arab team to ever reach such an advanced stage of the tournament.

The fatal incident happened in the southern city of Montpellier, local officials said.

An unnamed child was hit by a car after the match and died after being taken to hospital.

Graphic footage on social media shows a white vehicle swerving through a crowd that had gathered on a road.

One man can be seen partially disappearing under the car as it speeds away while another is thrown over the hood.

A statement issued by the local government of Hérault said: “A young boy was violently hit on Wednesday evening in Montpellier by a driver, after the semi-final match of the football World Cup.

“Transfered to the hospital in an absolute emergency, he died shortly after medical treatment.

“My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. The car was found near the scene of the accident and taken into custody.

“The police investigation is proceeding rapidly under the direction of the prosecutor’s office.”