Horror France school shooting leaves headmistress and teacher wounded as student, 14, arrested

No children were reported injured and both members of staff were treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The school's 53-year-old headteacher was reportedly shot in the leg, while a 37-year-old teacher sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh.

A third member of staff was also grazed during the incident, police said.

According to reports by French broadcaster France 3, the pupil entered the school carrying a hunting rifle before several shots were heard.

School staff managed to restrain the teenager at the scene, where police officers later intervened.

Education Minister Edouard Geffray confirmed the shooting in a statement on social media, identifying the victims as members of the national education system.

The statement read: "Two staff members from the National Education system, a principal and a teacher, were victims this morning of gunshot wounds at Lakanal middle school in Aubagne.

"A student is said to be the perpetrator."

Mr Geffray said he would travel to the scene alongside Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez this afternoon.

The prime minister's office also confirmed that the two ministers were heading to the school.

Mayor Squillari said emergency measures had been implemented to protect pupils during and in the aftermath of the incident, with students kept inside the school.

"All students were immediately confined and made safe within seconds," Mayor Squillari said in an update on social media.

The Marseille prosecutor's office confirmed an arrest had been made but did not immediately provide further details about the circumstances of the shooting or the suspected motive.

Reports by BFMTV and Le Parisien, citing sources familiar with the investigation, said the incident was not believed to be connected to the recent protests over school conditions that have affected parts of France.

Police also indicated the school had not been involved in the demonstrations, which have largely centred on high schools.

Mr Geffray condemned the incident in a further statement, calling for a collective response to violence in schools.

"This unacceptable act is yet further evidence of the rise of unchecked violence in our society, against which we must all take a stand," he wrote on X.

Authorities have not released further information about the suspect, and the investigation remains ongoing.

French president Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: "To the principal and the teacher injured this morning in a middle school in Aubagne, to the students and parents in shock, I extend my full solidarity and total support.

"I salute the composure and exemplary response of the educational team, which made it possible to avoid the worst."