A MUM was killed and her baby left in a critical condition after being mown down by an Algerian football fan as riots erupted across France after the team's African Cup victory.

The woman was walking with her teenage daughter and younger child in the southern city of Montpellier when a car smashed into them last night.

11 Algerian fans in the Champs Elysees after the team's quarter finals victory in the African Cup Credit: PA:Press Association

11 Riots soured peaceful celebrations on a night of unrest across France. Thousands of fans gathered outside the Arc de Triomphe Credit: PA:Press Association

11 At least two motorbike shops were looted in the French capital Credit: AFP or licensors

11 Football fans claimed cops used disproportionate force, including tear gas on children Credit: PA:Press Association

11 Algerian fans celebrate on the Champs Elysee in Paris after booking their place in Sunday's semi-final Credit: PA:Press Association

11 Fans let off smoke flare as they celebrate the quarter final result on the Canebiere in Marseille Credit: AFP or licensors

11 Cops arrest an Algerian football fan on the Champs Elysee Credit: PA:Press Association

The woman died at the scene, as her baby suffered traumatic injuries and was rushed to hospital, a security official said. Her 17-year-old daughter escaped with minor injuries.

A 21-year-old man has been taken into custody.

The tragedy came as widespread celebrations were soured by riots on the streets of Paris after Algeria's 4-3 penalties win over Ivory Coast that booked them a place in Sunday's semi-final against Nigeria.

Cops arrested more than 70 people as at least two Parisian shops including a Ducati motorbike dealership were looted.

'COPS WERE GASSING US'

Many supporters were seen gathering peacefully around the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs Elysee, letting off fireworks and fire crackers as hundreds of cars and motorcycles hooted their horns.

But onlookers claim children as young as six were tear gassed by police who "simply wanted us to go home".

"One minute we were celebrating, the next we were being poisoned by police," said mum of four Amira.

"All of my children including a six-year-old were gassed, as were plenty of others who were out on the street.

One minute we were celebrating, the next we were being poisoned by police Amira, mum

"There were no warnings – they simply wanted us to go home, so started gassing us, along with tourists and anybody else who was around."

Video posted on social media showed much of the trouble, which led to some 30 arrests in the Paris area by the early hours of Friday morning, with similar scenes in Marseille and Lyon.

French cops also utilised tear gas against Yellow Vest protesters calling for President Emmanuel Macron to resign.

The high-density noxious product contained the same power as 200 teargas grenades, and was designed to knock people out indiscriminately in an emergency.

The exact cause of Thursday night's riots is yet known.

Algeria is a former French colony which gained independence in 1962 after a bitter eight-year war - and 132 years of imperialist rule.

Around 500,000 French Algerians now live in France.

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Today Interior Minister Christophe Castaner condemned the football-related violence as being "absolutely unacceptable".

He said a total of 74 people were arrested across the country, including 10 minors in Paris accused of lighting fires and throwing stones at the police.

There was no immediate comment from the CRS, or any other police unit, about the alleged use of tear gas.

11 The Ducati store vandalized at the Algerian supporters' rally on the Champs Elysees after the victory of the Algerian national team Credit: PA:Press Association

11 The Ducati motorcycle dealership in Paris was smashed in as cops made dozens of arrests last night Credit: AFP or licensors

11 Algerian supporters celebrate at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris Credit: AFP or licensors

11 Fans let off smoke flare as they celebrate the quarter final result Credit: AFP or licensors

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