French inflation protests turn violent, 143-year-old Limoges town hall set on fire

PARIS: Protests against inflation turned violent in France. In the city of Limoges, masked protesters set fire to the 143-year-old historic town hall, causing the roof of the building to collapse.

In Marseille, protesters broke into the city hall, toppled a statue and smashed furniture. The mayor’s office in the city of Lille was also vandalised.

Protesters and police clashed in several cities, including Paris. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protesters.

The demonstrations were held against inflation, government policies and alleged police violence.

According to the French prime minister, more than 1,200 protesters were arrested and 150 police officers were injured across the country.