France probes ‘attempted murder’ after Molotov cocktail attacks on police during protests

France has launched an investigation into the alleged attempted murder of security forces following petrol bomb attacks during Paris protests, according to prosecutors. The incident occurred as footage surfaced of a police officer engulfed in flames during the clashes, sparking widespread outrage. The Paris police prefecture reported that several hundred rioters had attacked security forces with projectiles during the protests, which took place after hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated against rising living costs.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the violence as "extraordinary," even though clashes were less widespread than in previous weeks. The investigation was opened because "explosive devices were thrown at around 15 gendarmes as well as police officers," prosecutors stated. Injuries included second-degree burns, but no suspects had been arrested yet.

A video circulating on social media showed a police officer performing crowd-control duties when his leg suddenly caught fire, with colleagues attempting to extinguish the flames. One of the officers, Captain Alexandre, identified himself to AFP and explained that he initially thought the man rushing to help was an attacker before realizing he was a "street medic" trying to save his life.

The gendarme's unit sustained 13 injuries, with 159 members of law enforcement injured across France during the protests and Halloween celebrations.