French gunman killed during shootout

A gunman suspected of murdering seven people in southern France has died, according to France's interior minister.

He said the 23-year-old Frenchman of Algerian origin died on Thursday after jumping out of a window of his apartment.

Mohamed Merah had been holed up for around 30 hours in a standoff with police.

The interior minister said the gunman had been silent for hours, but opened fire on special forces, and died during the ensuing gun battle.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH INTERIOR MINISTER, CLAUDE GUEANT, SAYING:

"At the moment, when a video probe was sent into the bathroom, the killer came out of the bathroom, firing with extreme violence."

He added that the Merah was firing several guns at once.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH INTERIOR MINISTER, CLAUDE GUEANT, SAYING:

"In the end, Mohamed Merah jumped from the window with his gun in his hand, continuing to fire. He was found dead on the ground."

Two police commandos were injured in the operation.

Travis Brecher, Reuters