France launches ‘attempted murder’ probe after petrol bomb attack on security forces

France has launched an investigation into an attempted murder after petrol bombs were thrown at security forces during a protest in Paris, prosecutors confirmed on Sunday. The incident occurred during a weekend of demonstrations against rising living costs, with hundreds of thousands of people protesting in Paris and other cities.

Several hundred rioters attacked police and gendarmes, including by throwing a Molotov cocktail at around 15 officers. The prosecutor's office stated that an investigation had been opened for attempted murder of persons vested with public authority. Graphic images showed a security officer being engulfed in flames from an incendiary device.

While initial arrests have not yet been made, more than 770 people were arrested during the protests, and 20 shops were damaged, though this was fewer than in previous weeks. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen called for the perpetrators to be punished severely, describing the image of the injured officer as "unbearable."