Horror at French military show: 17 people seriously hurt after live bullets are fired into crowd

The shooting took place during a demonstration of hostage-freeing techniques at the event in Carcassonne, south-west France.

Two of those injured were servicemen and two victims  -  including a child  -  are in a critical condition.

French military personnel pick up spent shells after the shooting at Carcassonne

One soldier has been arrested. It is not clear why the wrong ammunition had been loaded.

Families had spent yesterday watching action by troops at Laperrine barracks, home of France's 3rd marine infantry parachute regiment.

Five demonstrations had taken place without incident before the shooting happened during the sixth, at about 6pm.

Witnesses described an 'incomprehensible and very bloody' scene after round upon round was fired into the crowd.

Five helicopters, 11 fire brigade firstaid vehicles and two ambulances rushed to the compound, and the injured were ferried to at least five hospitals.

The most seriously hurt were taken to the city of Toulouse.

A national police spokesman said the weapons had been 'seized and placed under lock and key". He added: "All hypotheses are being considered.'

French president Nicolas Sarkozy said he was awaiting the results of a military investigation. 'My first thoughts are with the victims. Everything will be put in place to care for them,' Mr Sarkozy added.

Soldiers walk in front of the 3rd Marine Parachute regiment headquarters in Carcassonne, where 17 people were seriously at a military open day

Herve Morin, France's defence minister, travelled to Carcassonne after being told about the shootings.

Colonel Benoit Royal, head of the army's information unit, said a number of the injured were from military families.

Bernard Lemaire, chief of the administration in the Aude region, said: 'The question being asked is "Did the soldier engage in a criminal act or not?'"

'For now, no one can answer that, but the theory being worked on is one of error.'