Suspects aged 18-24 picked up in operations in three sites across the country, five days before presidential runoff

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

French authorities have detained five men and seized weapons in anti-terrorist operations across France, five days before a tense presidential runoff.

Shadow of terror attacks hangs over France as polls prepare to open Read more

The suspects are aged between 18 and 24. The prosecutor’s office said they were picked up in operations on Tuesday in three locations: near the Normandy city of Rouen, in Villeneuve d’Ascq near Lille in northern France, and in Roanne in central France.

The Paris prosecutor oversees anti-terrorism investigations.

It is not clear whether the arrests had any link to the presidential election. The runoff is on Sunday.

An attack claimed by Islamic State killed a police officer in Paris two weeks ago. France is under a state of emergency after a string of extremist attacks.