France protests live: Macron says ‘no place for violence’ as 400 arrested after clashes with police

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Tens of thousands of protesters are expected at demonstrations across France over the cost of living and rising fuel prices.

Around 40 people have been arrested in Paris “primarily for carrying weapons or prohibited protective gear”, with police warning that enhanced checks would be in place.

A large police presence was visible in central Paris, especially near landmarks such as the Avenue des Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, with police firing tear gas at protesters who had climbed on monuments.

In Marseille , trash cans have been set alight and clashes are ongoing with police, with president Emmanuel Macron appealing for “calm” and calling on demonstrators to show "respect for people and property".

A major demonstration is scheduled in Paris for 14:00 local time (13:00 BST); with reports estimating that around 40,000 people could descend upon the city.

The protests began last ‌month at high schools in Paris' poor northern suburbs, where anger over teacher absences and shabby facilities quickly morphed into a nationwide movement against inequality, weak public spending and falling standards.

The police have drawn criticism for their response due to a grisly list of injuries among demonstrators, including one adolescent who had his hand blown off after picking up a stun grenade.

The internal police watchdog is investigating at least two dozen cases of alleged police violence.

France suspended the use of stun grenades for the student demonstrations, but Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said they could be used on Saturday.

"If there were to be clashes, all types of intermediate weapons can be used," he told Telematin TV on Friday.

Police in Paris say they had already made 40 arrests by 09:30 local time (08:30 BST).

In an update on X, they said these were "primarily for carrying weapons or prohibited protective gear”.

The streets of Paris could see as many as 40,000 people turn out to demonstrate, with widespread protests also taking place across the rest of the country.