Police clashed with protesters in a Paris square on Sunday as fresh looting was reported, a day after nationwide demonstrations spiralled into widespread disorder and theft.
Several hundred people assembled at Paris’s Place de la Republique after calls for the gathering circulated on social media.
The square is a regular focal point for protests and became the site of major clashes and looting on Saturday.
Paris police said Sunday’s demonstration had not been authorised. Officers conducted checks and established a security operation designed to allow them to intervene quickly if necessary, the police prefecture said.
Police moved to disperse the gathering and make arrests after observing what the prefecture described as “the initial signs of tension.”
SEE ALSO: Senior military leaders promise strong support for Israel despite demonstrations – NewsFinale
About 855 people were arrested in Paris on Saturday, when several buildings and shops were looted and set on fire during intense confrontations between police and masked protesters.
Television footage showed police using tear gas at the square for the first time on Sunday to disperse the crowd. Protesters later returned to the area.
Bottles and rocks were reportedly thrown at security forces, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.
Police then charged the crowd in an effort to break up the demonstration, making several arrests.
Protesters hung banners around the statue at the centre of the square to denounce the rising cost of living. Many wore black clothing, while some covered their faces with masks.
