Nine held over savage attack on Paris teenager

Nine young people arrested in connection with a savage assault on a teenager in Paris nearly two weeks after the attack prompted a large-scale outcry.

The 15-year-old was attacked by a gang of about 12 people near a major shopping centre in the capital's 15th arrondissement shortly after he had left collège on January 15. He was placed in a medical coma after suffering head trauma and fractures to his face.

The young people "were placed in custody for the counts of attempted murder, and criminal association with a view to committing a crime and theft with violence", the prosecutor said.

The broadcast on social media of surveillance footage of the attack prompted a massive outpouring of support for the teenager. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, footballer Antoine Griezmann and Lupin actor Omar Sy were among those to send messages.

On Monday, the teenager's mother reported on her son's state of health via an Instagram post: "Yuriy is doing better today. We thank you for your support and your prayers."