The Parisian suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois is being shaken by a new wave of violence.
The streets have become scenes of burned-out cars and rubbish bins, shattered shop windows and armed riot police.
The violence erupted following allegations four policeman allegedly raped a 22 year-old black man during his arrest.
The victim, Theo, says he's still traumatised by what happened.
"I haven't slept for more than five days. I haven't slept since I arrived here. The medicine isn't enough; I've taken a lot and it isn't enough. I haven't slept one night. I'm finding it really difficult."
Theo's sister, Aurelie, says the situation escalated when her brother allegedly told a policeman to be gentle after witnessing an officer smack a young man.
"He came across a group of young people, who he went to say hello to. At that moment, the police carried out a check, which can happen anywhere. I'm not going to go into the police check, but there was a young man who was smacked by a policeman. My younger brother said, wanting to protect and calm the situation, 'be gentle with the young man'. At that moment, it all got out of hand."
Theo has accused one of the policemen of raping him with a police baton.
A hospital examination has revealed wounds to Theo's rectum, face and head.
The policemen have been suspended pending an inquiry while one has been charged with suspected rape.
Aurelie alleges some of the brutality was caught on camera.
"First of all, he was assaulted under the watch of the town's cameras. Several things happened at that moment, especially the violence with the baton. Then, they deliberately brought him to a corner with a blind spot, where there are no cameras, and at that moment they continued to beat him up."
It's not the first time this area of Paris has drawn global attention.
In 2005 riots erupted after the deaths of two youths fleeing police who were electrocuted when they tried to hide in a power station.
That incident began three weeks of rioting, with 10,000 cars and 300 buildings set on fire, triggering a state of emergency.
High unemployment rates plague neighbourhoods in the area, which contains large populations of immigrants.
From his hospital bed, Theo is calling for calm.
"My home town, you know that I love it very much. I'd like to find it the same as when I left. So, guys, stop the war. Let's be united, I trust the justice system, and justice will be done. Stop the war, pray for me, pray for me."
While visiting Theo in hospital, French President Francois Hollande said the justice system has already begun working on the case.
"We must have trust in it. The process will be conducted fully. Decisions have started to be taken for the truth to be known. But we also have thoughts for Theo. He is a young man who has always been known for exemplary behavior, in a family that is also present in Aulnay neighbourhood, and who want to live in peace, and in a relationship of trust with the police."
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