‘Attempted murder’: Molotov cocktail hits police officer as France protests escalate

A police officer was struck by a Molotov cocktail in Paris during violent protests over living costs, with 565 arrested across France A police officer was struck by a Molotov cocktail during clashes in Paris on Saturday, as demonstrations over rising living costs and deteriorating public services turned violent in several French cities.The interior ministry said 565 people had been arrested across France. Four police officers and one gendarme were injured in Paris, with three officers suffering burns from Molotov cocktails. Interior minister Laurent Nuñez said around 150 planned demonstrations had passed off peacefully but condemned what he described as an “extraordinary” level of violence by some groups as the rallies ended.An estimated 320,000 people took part in demonstrations across the country, down from 410,000 the previous weekend, according to the interior ministry. Around 70,000 marched in Paris, where protesters set off from Porte de Bagnolet and headed towards Porte de Charenton, largely avoiding the city centre.The march was mostly peaceful until it reached its final destination. Dozens of masked people dressed in black used hammers to prise up paving stones and throw t...