(29. März 2012) The head of the French internal security service has denied suggestions that authorities „missed“ the Toulouse gunman because he was a police informer. Bernard Squarcini took the unusual step of intervening personally to quash speculation that Mohamed Merah was an indic or „snout“ for one of his own agents in Toulouse.

Paradoxically, however, the allegations, including stories in the Italian and French regional press, began with a remark by Mr Squarcini himself.