Karim Cheurfi was a deeply troubled, introverted and “psychologically fragile character” but appeared unlikely to get involved in Islamist extremism, according to his former lawyer.

Jean-Laurent Panier, who defended the suspected Champs-Élysées gunman in a theft trial, said he showed “no sign that he belonged to any movement, or of radicalisation”.

Mr Panier added: “He was very solitary, someone who was particularly isolated. He lived with his mother and had contact with his father, and there was a family that tried to support him but felt powerless.”