Violent clashes, looting and buildings ablaze in France as over 1,000 arrested after protests

Violence broke out across France on Saturday during a huge day of demonstrations over the cost of living and hardship in schools, with an estimated five hundred and fifty thousand people on the streets and at least one thousand two hundred arrests.

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In Paris, riot police used tear gas and water cannon as clashes continued into the evening. Cars were torched at the Place de la Republique, shops were ransacked and at least one restaurant was gutted by fire.

In Limoges, the town hall was largely lost after a blaze caused part of the roof to collapse, while in Lyon the city tourist office was burned. Looting and vandalism were reported in several cities, and an Apple store in Lille was broken into and emptied.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said one hundred and fifty police officers were injured, and President Emmanuel Macron said those who attacked public buildings and businesses would be prosecuted and punished.

The unrest follows weeks of student protests over staff shortages and run-down school buildings, with trade unions and other protest groups joining the demonstrations on Saturday.