A police officer bursts into flames after being struck by a Molotov cocktail
Police officers in France were set on
fire by Molotov cocktails in central Paris today as thousands took to
the streets to protest against government labour reform.
According to The Sun UK, at least five
were seriously injured around Place de la Republique, where a march
ended just before 5pm.
CRS riot police initially used tear gas and baton charges to try and restore order, and then came under heavy attack themselves.
An eyewitness said: “Molotov cocktails are landing right on top of them. Police are getting badly hurt.”
Anarchists and other radicals wearing
black hoodies and face masks could be seen throwing the improvised
bombs, together with bricks and metal bars.
“We’re here to fight back against a corrupt government,” said Florent Gilbert, a 19-year-old student who had gathered with a group of around 100 agitators.
“The police are trying to clear the streets, but we have every right to show those in power what we think of them.”
As the violence intensified, acts of vandalism took place everywhere, as bus stops and shop fronts were attacked.
There were similar scenes in other
French cities, including Nantes and Lyon during the latest round of
protests against controversial reforms.
They were passed last summer with the aim of liberalising the employment market, making it easier for bosses to hire and fire.
But opponents say they are an attack on hard-won worker rights, all of which are now in peril.

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