French protests widen as riots leave businesses wrecked

France faces further demonstrations after a weekend of rioting and looting led to about 2,400 arrests, overshadowing peaceful marches over living costs and deteriorating conditions in schools.

Cars were set alight, public buildings attacked and a historic city hall engulfed in flames. Authorities said thousands of businesses were damaged or looted.

The disturbances affected cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux.

The wider protest movement began with school pupils demanding better resources, including action on staff shortages and dilapidated buildings. It subsequently broadened to include trade unions and campaigners concerned about household costs and public services.

Hundreds of thousands of people marched peacefully, despite the violence accompanying parts of the mobilisation.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the destruction and ordered an investigation into intelligence and planning failures that may have caused authorities to underestimate the threat.

The police response has also drawn scrutiny. Policing researcher Sébastian Roché told AP that serious injuries associated with riot-control weapons required attention.

Student organisations have called for further demonstrations on Thursday and Saturday, while activists seeking to revive the yellow vest movement have announced another Saturday mobilisation.

Sources: Associated Press, published by NDTV, 20 October; Associated Press, published by 1News, 20 October.