Flames tore through the 19th-century city hall in Limoges, central France, on Saturday. The roof collapsed and the building was nearly destroyed. It happened during nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools.

Masked groups set fires and attacked other town halls in several cities. Nearly 2,400 people were arrested, and almost 1,000 police and gendarmes were injured.

Authorities said about 550,000 people took part in the marches, while organisers put the figure at 800,000.

On Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron spoke of the public’s ‘anger’ and ‘shame’. He blamed far-left activists for much of the violence, and asked prefects to work with mayors to protect public buildings.

Some rallies could be banned if necessary.