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France: Bus driver dies after 'attack over face masks' in Bayonne

AFP Wife of bus driver Philippe Monguillot, Veronique Monguillot (centre) holds a portrait of her husband during a march in Bayonne, France. Photo: 8 July 2020AFP
The wife of Philippe Monguillot, Veronique Monguillot (centre), holds a portrait of her husband during a protest march

A bus driver has died in France, five days after he was attacked by passengers who reportedly refused to wear face masks, his family says.

Philippe Monguillot, aged 59, had been left brain dead after the assault in the south-western city of Bayonne.

"We decided to let him go," his daughter Marie told AFP news agency, saying doctors had agreed.

Two men in their 20s were arrested and charged with attempted murder after the assault late on Sunday.

Two other men were charged with failing to help a person in danger while a fifth man was charged with attempting to hide a suspect.

Mr Monguillot was set upon after he reportedly asked three of the men to put on face masks and also tried to check another man's ticket.

Face masks are mandatory on public transport in France.

The mayor of Bayonne condemned the "barbaric act", local media report.

On Wednesday, thousands of people took part in a protest march in the city.

Regional bus services were severely disrupted as drivers refused to work following the incident.