'Attempted murder' probe in France after bomb attacks

France has initiated an attempted murder investigation following petrol bomb attacks on security forces during protests against rising living costs in Paris. The clashes, which occurred in Paris and other cities, saw several hundred rioters attack security forces with projectiles, including a Molotov cocktail. Dramatic footage showed a security officer engulfed in flames after being struck by an incendiary device, leading to an investigation for attempted murder of persons vested with public authority.

The officer suffered minor injuries, with his riot uniform's protective leg and shin gear melting due to the heat. Despite the protests being less widespread than previous unrest, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the violence as extraordinary. No suspects have been arrested yet, and investigators are working to identify those responsible.

The protests follow a tense political climate as France approaches presidential elections, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen vowing to restore law and order if elected.

Brief written by urgent.news from RTE News's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.