Four men go on trial over deadly Strasbourg terror attack in 2018

Four menhave gone on trial accused of involvement in the 2018 terrorist attack on Strasbourg's Christmas market, in which a gunman killed five people and injured 11 others in an assault that was later claimed by Islamic State.

- Angelique Chrisafis

Chérif Chekatt, 29, who was born and raised in the city, opened fire with a 19th-century revolver on 11 December in the historic centre. Over the course of 10 minutes, he attacked passersby with a gun and knife at three different locations in the shadow of the city's cathedral.

Chekatt, who had a long criminal record with more than 20 convictions for theft and violence, had spent several spells in jail and was on a watchlist of radicalised former prisoners.

After the attack, he hailed a taxi to the south of the city. After a 48-hour manhunt, he was killed in a shootout with police.

Four French men, aged between 34 and 43, are on trial in Paris. Three - Stéphane Bodein and Frédéric Bodein, brothers who buy and sell used cars, and Christian Hoffmann, an unemployed mechanic are accused of involvement by helping to procure weapons.