Five Charged With Murder Of Transgender Prostitute

Five people have been charged in the French capital Paris with murdering a Peruvian transgender prostitute who reportedly tried to defend her client when robbers attacked his car.

Vanesa Campos, 36, was shot dead on the night of 16-17 August in the Bois de Boulogne, a city park long known as a pick-up area for prostitutes.

Her brutal murder sparked anger among sex workers and LGBT activists.

Hundreds marched on Friday to demand greater protection for prostitutes.

Campaigners demanded the repeal of a 2016 law which criminalised the purchase of sex in France, saying it forced prostitutes to work in more isolated locations to avoid police.

About 10 men armed with knives, sticks and a handgun set upon her after she tried to stop them robbing his car, a police source was quoted as saying by Le Parisien newspaper.

Ms Campos reportedly shouted for help but her friends arrived too late to save her.

She was killed by a bullet to the chest. It was not known if the client was also hurt in the incident.

Eight people were arrested last week and five have now been charged with murder and robbery.