France probes ‘attempted murder’ after Molotov cocktail attacks on police during protests

France has launched an attempted murder investigation after Molotov cocktails were thrown at police during protests in Paris on Saturday. An officer suffered second-degree burns. Over 770 people were arrested and 159 officers injured across the country. No suspects have been arrested yet.

France has opened an attempted murder investigation after Molotov cocktails were thrown at security forces during protests in Paris on Saturday. The protests, the third weekend of demonstrations against rising living costs, drew hundreds of thousands of people. Clashes erupted in Paris and other cities. Dramatic footage showed a homemade incendiary device exploding at the feet of a gendarme, engulfing his lower body in flames. The officer suffered second-degree burns but received minor injuries overall. Prosecutors said an investigation had been opened for 'attempted murder of persons vested with public authority.' The gendarme described being hit by several incendiary devices and said the flammable substance was so greasy it spread across his skin. Thirteen members of his unit were injured. No suspects have been arrested. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the level of violence as 'extraordinary.' More than 770 people were arrested across France, and 159 law enforcement members were injured. The protests come six months before presidential elections, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen calling for those responsible to be punished severely. The article notes that damage to shops was lower than previous weekends, but business groups expressed concern about the impact on holiday retail.