Three Algerian nationals have been arrested in France after assaulting and robbing two plainclothes police officers who were following them as part of an ongoing investigation.
The attack occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday when two undercover police officers spotted the men attempted to pick-pocket in the Gare du Nord train station in Paris, reported French news outlet Actu 17.
After an altercation with one of their targets, the suspects ran to board a train and the plainclothes police officers followed suit.
The suspects got off the train at the Gare d’Austerlitz stop, followed by one police officer while the other remained on the train until the doors were closing to ensure the suspects did not U-turn and escape.
One of the suspects reportedly grabbed the arm of one of the officers, without knowing he was a policeman, and stole his cellphone and watch.
As the second officer attempted to intervene, both men are subjected to violent beatings by the three suspects, resulting in the victims being granted eight and four days of total incapacity for work (ITT).
Upon their arrest, the suspects claimed to be 17, 22, and 24 years old and all of Algerian nationality.
The two adult attackers, both of whom are also understood to be residing in France illegally, will remain in police custody ahead of a court appearance on Feb. 15, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
The 17-year-old minor was released with a summons requiring him to attend court for the hearing.