Paris protesters clash with police as tear gas and water cannon are used

Demonstrations across France turned violent in places on Saturday, and in the capital, Paris, protesters and police clashed. Most of the day's protests were peaceful, but unrest broke out after nightfall, when demonstrators were seen throwing objects and fireworks at officers. It was the second weekend in a row of protests in the country, with a heavy security presence in place.

Security response

About 70,000 police officers were deployed across France, for a second consecutive weekend. To disperse crowds they used tear gas and water cannon. The police response was at its most visible in the evening, once the disorder began.

Turnout and arrests

According to estimates from the French Interior Ministry, around 400,000 people took part in Saturday's demonstrations nationwide. Nearly 1,000 people were arrested. The source material does not specify what triggered the protests.

What may come next

BBC Europe correspondent Nick Beake, reporting from Paris, says there are few signs that the unrest will ease soon. That suggests tensions in the country are likely to continue, and security forces are expected to stay on high alert.