Macron’s security boss dresses as riot police and ATTACKS protester in shock footage

Alexandre Benalla, was seen wearing police riot gear and pulling protesters away from violence scenes in chaotic footage posted to Twitter.

Thousands of people had gathered in Paris on May 1 for the annual May Day protests in a bid to rally against Mr Macron’s public sector reforms.

In the video which has just emerged, Mr Benalla was seen in a riot police helmet as he pummelled a man’s head during a May Day street demonstration on 1 May.

The bearded protestor appeared to have been apprehended by riot police, before Mr Benalla swooped in and forcefully attacked the man, pulling him away from officers.

Mr Benalla was also seen aggressively grabbing a woman by the neck at the May Day street protest.

In the video, demonstrators appeared to recognise Mr Benalla and begin chanting his name.

The security chief then abruptly leaves the scene, quickly walking into a cafe.

Mr Macron’s team suspended Mr Benalla for taking part in the operation after he originally said he would only observe officers.

He was also not permitted to wear a police helmet, but allegedly breached orders.

Mr Macron’s rivals are arguing for Mr Benalla to be jailed for his actions, and have lashed out at the French President for attempting to cover up his security boss’ illegal partaking in the demonstration.

Alexis Corbiere, an MP and spokesman for former far-Left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, said he “asked for penal sanctions” against a “colleague of Macron who disguised himself as a police officer to commit violence.”

Paris barrister Raquel Garrido said: “I hope that prosecutors have already initiated criminal proceedings against Alexandre Benalla, head of security of Emmanuel Macron.

“In addition to violence, it is question of usurpation.”

French newspaper, Le Monde, who originally broke the story, claimed there are other videos involving Mr Benalla apart from the ones already posted on social media platforms, including Twitter.

When asked about his actions during the Paris demonstrations, Mr Benalla refused to comment.

Despite being suspended, he remains at the Elysee, and has reportedly been assigned to an administrative position where he deals with organised events within the palace, including World Cup celebrations.

Mr Macron’s chief of staff said: “Alexandre Benalla had warned me two days earlier [before the demonstration] that he wanted to take part in an operation with the police to see how a large demonstration was handled.

“He asked me for permission, I gave it to him, but making it clear that he was an observer.

“The day after the demonstration, I was informed by a colleague that Mr Benalla had been recognised in the field as being involved in law enforcement operations, and I saw the videos.

“I summoned the same day, I asked him if it was him.”

Mr Macron suspended his duties for 15 days until 19 May, and the incident has not been spoken about since.

Mr Benalla grew up in Evreux, Normandy, and studied a law degree before moving into VIP protection work.

In 2016, he began working for Mr Macron as his personal security chief.