France opens attempted murder probe after protest attack

Paris authorities have launched a probe into an attempted murder investigation following an attack with petrol bombs on security forces during a protest in the capital, prosecutors announced on Sunday. The incident occurred during a weekend demonstration against the rising cost of living and social inequality, which saw hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets. At least 15 gendarmes, or military police, were targeted with explosive devices, according to the prosecutor's office.

The attack took place in eastern Paris, where dramatic footage showed a Molotov cocktail exploding at the feet of a security officer, engulfing him in flames. French television reported that the injured officer described feeling his skin sting and a rain of projectiles being thrown at his unit. No suspects have been arrested at this stage in connection with the incident, and investigators are working to identify those responsible.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned the extraordinary level of violence displayed by some rioters during the protests. Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally party, called for the perpetrator to be punished with the utmost severity, describing the scene of the injured officer as "unbearable."

Nearly 770 people were arrested during the weekend protests in France, according to the interior ministry. While there were no major incidents reported late on Saturday, the ministry noted a significant decrease in the number of shops damaged compared to previous weekends, with only around 20 businesses affected. However, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry expressed concern about the potential impact of the protests on retail activity ahead of the year-end holiday season.