These shocking images show the gruesome wounds suffered by yellow vest protesters in the controversial rallies in France .
Dozens of activists are said to have sustained severe facial gashes and head injuries by LBD launchers, known as "flash-balls", during riots in Paris recently.
The horrific photos, which have been shared on Facebook , claim to be victims of flash guns fired by French police.
Officers use flash guns in riot-controlled operations, as they are considered a "less lethal" weapon than fire arms.
The guns are designed not to penetrate skin, but have enough power to hit with extreme force.
Rubber pellets are fired at an estimated speed of 100 metres per second.
However, increasing violent clashes between yellow vests and police have sparked worldwide controversy over the guns.
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One woman suffered gruesome injuries to her head.
The weapon has been blamed for inflicting severe injuries on protesters, including one who lost an eye.
Another man was reportedly in a coma for six days after he was struck on the temple.
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In January, police made clear that only the torso and upper or lower limbs could be targeted, however, dozens of protesters claim to have been shot in the face.
But it is alleged that at least 40 people have been injured by flash-guns during yellow vest protests.
A number of unverified pictures have since been shared on Facebook.
One shows volunteer firefighter Olivier Béziade, 47, who was shot in the temple during a Yellow Vest protest on January 12 in Bordeaux.
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Mr Béziade collapsed after a pellet hit his head, leaving him with a gushing wound.
He was then taken to hospital and treated for a brain haemorrhage, where he was left in an artificial coma.
Yellow Vest leader Jérôme Rodrigues was injured in the eye during a demonstration in Paris.
He was allegedly hit with a flash-ball aimed at his face, but French police have claimed his injuries were caused by a grenade that exploded near him.
One teenager, Lilian Lepage, was hit in the face with a flash gun pellet in Strasbourg and suffered a broken jaw.
He was shopping in the city centre at the time and was not taking part in the Yellow Vest protest, his mother said.
France's human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has called for a "full investigation" into the use of force by French police during yellow vest protests.
Speaking to France 24, she said early in March: "We encourage the government to continue dialogue - including follow-up to the national discussions which are currently underway - and urge full investigation of all reported cases of excessive use of force."
The Yellow Vests movement, known as "gilets jaunes" started last November in protest over a hike in fuel prices, but has transformed into public backlash against Emmanuel Macron and his Government.
