French police have used 4x4 vehicles, paid for by British taxpayers, to charge at student protesters during recent school protests in France. The French government has confirmed an investigation has been launched into why these vehicles, specifically funded by the UK to prevent asylum seekers crossing the Channel, were deployed during a protest involving school students in Dunkirk.
The incident, involving a Masstech VEZI land cruiser, was reported by French media on 10 October. Footage reportedly showed the vehicle driving at speed, reversing, and then driving forwards again with a bin caught underneath. Students were heard screaming and scattering.
According to reports, a 14-year-old girl was injured by the vehicle and taken to hospital with a haematoma, from which she was later discharged. She reportedly described the incident as “unacceptable”.
The VEZI vehicles were earmarked for UK-funded operations on French beaches as part of the Anglo-French Sandhurst treaty, signed in January 2018. This treaty outlines cooperation in combating irregular immigration and provides UK financial support for French efforts, enabling the acquisition of resources like all-terrain vehicles.
A spokesperson for Laurent Nuñez, France’s minister of the interior, confirmed the opening of an investigation when asked why a UK-funded vehicle intended for border control was used in a schools protest. The UK Home Office declined to comment.