Nearly 1,000 are arrested across France as masked gangs hurl bottles and stones at riot police despite 70,000-strong deployment

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told reporters that officers had seized potential weapons from among the protesters, attributing the 'high-risk groups' that broke from the marches to far-left activists and organised criminal groups. In Paris, black-clad men in masks converged on Porte de Vincennes, where the city's march ended, drawing tear gas and water cannon from police. Marseille saw youths set bins on fire while two jewellery shops were hit by looters. The Paris prosecutor recorded 64 arrests, including six minors.

Last weekend's riots led to 2,700 arrests and 217 fast-track convictions by Thursday.

National Rally has charged that Macron's government has failed to protect the public ahead of May's election.

Looters used axes to smash into five of Michele Teboul's family stores.