Violence flares in Paris after largely peaceful protests across France

PARIS, Oct 24 (Reuters) – Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators marched in France on Saturday, with largely peaceful rallies giving way to clashes ​in Paris and Marseille as night fell despite a huge security operation aimed at preventing a repeat of last week’s unrest.

The Interior Ministry said 410,000 people part in protests nationwide, though unions said the true figure was twice as high.

The main demonstration took place on the southeastern fringes of Paris, where at least 110,000 people turned out to denounce rising living costs and growing inequality. The atmosphere deteriorated sharply after the rally ended. Riot police fired tear gas and water cannon at a group of around 500 hooded youths before they eventually dispersed on a cold, rainy evening. In France’s second city, Marseille, youths set fire to rubbish ​bins to block roads, and hurled rocks and bottles at security forces. Police said several stores, including two jewellery shops, were ransacked.