France at the 'tipping point': Gang clashes involving up to 600 people in Poitiers

Violent street battles between rival gangs have left France on the brink of a 'tipping point', with experts warning that the country is facing a 'major crisis'.

The clashes, which took place in the western city of Poitiers, saw up to 600 people armed with knives, iron bars and baseball bats fighting in the streets.

The violence erupted after a dispute between two rival gangs, and quickly escalated into a full-scale riot. Police were called to the scene but were unable to control the violence, and were forced to retreat.

The clashes lasted for several hours, and resulted in several people being injured. One person was left in a critical condition after being stabbed in the chest.

The violence in Poitiers is just the latest in a series of gang-related incidents that have taken place in France in recent months. In January, a 14-year-old boy was shot dead in a gang-related shooting in the Paris suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis.

Experts say that the rise in gang violence is a sign of a wider social crisis in France. The country is facing high levels of unemployment and poverty, and many young people feel alienated and without hope.

The French government has vowed to crack down on gang violence, but experts say that more needs to be done to address the underlying social problems that are fueling the violence.

In the meantime, the people of Poitiers are living in fear. The violence has left the city on edge, and many people are afraid to go out at night.

The mayor of Poitiers, Alain Claeys, has called for calm and unity in the city. He said that the violence is "unacceptable" and that it must be stopped.

The French government has sent in reinforcements to Poitiers to help the police restore order. The government has also vowed to provide additional funding for social programs in the city.

It remains to be seen whether the government's measures will be enough to stop the violence in Poitiers. But one thing is clear: France is facing a major crisis, and the country needs to find a way to address the underlying problems that are fueling the violence.