Children among 16 injured at military shooting demonstration

A military shooting demonstration left 16 people wounded, including children, when real bullets were used instead of blanks.

Four of the wounded were in a serious condition, including a three-year-old. Fifteen were civilians. The incident occurred during a demonstration of hostage-freeing techniques at Laperrine barracks in Aude, south-east France.

The soldier who fired the shots has been detained. Officials said the injuries were probably an accident but that it could have been a "criminal act". The base is home to the 3rd marine infantry parachute regiment.