Arnaud Beltrame

A French policeman shot by an Islamist gunman when he swapped himself for the last, female hostage in a supermarket siege, has died.  

Arnaud Beltrame, was a lieutenant-colonel in the gendarmerie.

Attacker, who killed four people in a shooting spree - was shot dead by police, when he shot officeer.

Mr Beltrame was among the officers who rushed to the scene when the assailant stormed the store in the southwest town of Trèbes, firing on shoppers and staff before taking a hostage. 

Gérard Collomb, the interior minister, announced early on Saturday that Mr Beltrame had passed away after he was reportedly hit by several bullets and one injury to the throat.

"Lieutenant Colonel Arnaud Beltrame has left us. France will never forget his heroism, his bravery, his sacrifice."