'Bomber' killed by Corsica blast

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6230745.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A suspected Corsican separatist has died in an apparent bombing operation.

The explosion was one of six blasts across the island on Wednesday night, and came ahead of a visit by French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy.

The other five attacks were carried out in and around the main port of Ajaccio, damaging four banks and a tax office.

The body of a man in his 50s was found in the eastern town of Sollaro. He is said to be the fourth separatist killed in a bungled bomb attempt in 12 months.

A suspected accomplice of the bomber was badly injured and was in hospital in a serious condition, officials said.

Bomb attacks are not uncommon in Corsica, where separatists have continued a low-level campaign of violence for decades.

Often emblems of French control - like banks and government offices - are attacked, as well as homes owned by non-Corsicans.

Most attacks take place when the buildings are empty and do not appear designed to kill.

A security official told the French news agency AFP that the latest targets in Ajaccio "suffered minor damage to their front and other windows".

The body recovered on Thursday morning was found near some holiday homes, French media said.

The attacks came on the eve of Mr Sarkozy's visit on Friday, during which the minister and presidential hopeful is to meet local businessmen and elected officials.