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A man was found shot dead in a UK tradesman's van carrying ten illegal migrants at a French motorway rest stop near Troyes, prompting a murder investigation.
A 47-year-old man was found shot dead in a British tradesman's van carrying ten illegal migrants at a motorway rest stop near Troyes, south-east of Paris, the local prosecutor's office said on Friday.
The body was discovered at around 5am local time with a gunshot wound to his head on a seat inside the van, which had UK licence plates.
The vehicle was found around 20 miles north of Troyes, at a rest stop approximately 200 miles from the Channel crossing.
Investigation Into Migrant Smuggling
Around ten illegal migrants were found in the back of the van, but authorities did not confirm their nationalities.
An initial investigation suggested shots were fired at the Champ l'Epée rest stop as the British van stopped to park there.
Several people then fled the scene, according to the prosecutor's statement.
The nationality of the driver was still unknown, Troyes prosecutor Isabelle Verissimo said.
Suspect Arrested as Case Opened
A suspect believed to have been present at the crime scene was arrested early on Friday.
The Troyes prosecutor's office said a criminal case would be opened today for murder, attempted murder, unauthorised possession of a weapon, aiding the irregular entry, movement and residence of a foreigner in France as part of an organised group, and human trafficking as part of an organised group.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances of the shooting and the identities of those involved.
Context of Migrant Crossings
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal migration through France, where migrants often attempt to reach the UK via the Channel crossing.
Rest stops along major motorways are sometimes used as staging points for smuggling operations.
French authorities have been cracking down on organised groups facilitating irregular entry and residence.
The case is being handled by the local prosecutor's office in Troyes, which is leading the investigation into both the shooting and the suspected human trafficking operation.
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Troyes Shooting Illegal Migrants French Motorway Murder Investigation Human Trafficking UK Van Channel Crossing
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