Man lunges at German chancellor

The leaders had just made speeches about integration

A would-be attacker appeared to get within arm's reach of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Berlin on Monday.

Shouting in German, he rushed at the pair as they emerged from a debate on integration at a secondary school but was swiftly overpowered by security.

According to witnesses, the man was protesting against a "police state".

The leaders were about to gather with their cabinets at the Berlin chancellery for a twice-yearly meeting.

Mr Sarkozy's visit came days after both leaders visited the United States for talks on Iran and other issues.

In Berlin on Monday their governments both agreed fresh sanctions may be needed to make Iran halt its nuclear programme, which Tehran insists is for energy purposes alone.