Two police officers were injured in an attack on border force agents by a Nigerian national, who was denied asylum in France.

The incident took place in Port-la-Nouvelle, a French Mediterranean resort, on Wednesday, November 17, 2022 during what was supposed be an identity check at the Narbonne train Station.

According to French newspaper L'Independent, when police asked for his identification, the suspect, aged 24, refused to give papers and started striking the officers.

“It turns out that the respondent is an asylum seeker in France. It had been refused to him, a decision which he appealed,” said the Alliance Union of Aude in a statement.

The officers requested that the man follow them but he refused to do so and continued fighting back "very violently".

After trying unsuccessfully to arrest the man for several minutes, police finally pinned him down.

Both middle-aged police officers sustained minor injuries. Later, they complained of back and knee pain.

Their physician recommended that they take 15 days off work. A medical examiner from the Medical-Judicial Unit would decide on Thursday the length of their temporary incapacity.

Local reports indicate that the injuries sustained by the officers will limit their movement.