FRANCE AFLAME

Furious rioters light up city as left-wing alliance victory creates political deadlock

- MARTIN FRICKER

RIOTING erupted in France after a left-wing alliance won parliamentary elections, sparking political chaos just weeks before the Olympics.

The surprising results crushed Marine Le Pen's hopes of forming the country's first far-right government.

Pollsters had warned of a "catastrophe" if Le Pen's National Rally (RN) party won an absolute majority.

But after rival parties joined to block RN candidates from winning seats, the far-right party ended up in third place.

The country has been plunged into turmoil after the New Popular Front alliance landed a shock victory with 182 projected seats. It is led by Jean-Luc Melenchon - dubbed "France's Jeremy Corbyn" who has faced accusations of anti-Semitism.