Protest rallies in France are escalating, with hundreds of people arrested as hundreds took to the streets in several areas of the country in protest. There were also incidents of fighting and arson that caused injuries to police officers, teachers and students, authorities said.

Hundreds of high schools have been hit by the protest, with students bringing up issues of overcrowded classrooms, heavy loads, lack of teachers and quality facilities and learning materials.

The Paris region saw the start of the demonstrations that spread throughout France. Protesters and security forces have clashed, and there has been some disruption in a number of major cities.

Violent acts associated with the protests have been denounced by French authorities, especially attacks on the police and property and fire attempts near schools. The government has admitted some of the complaints of students are valid, but has emphasised that protests should not be violent or disruptive to schools.

Officials have also voiced concern about the presence of political parties and groups that they say could be stoking tensions. Tensions over the protests have been heightened by political leaders taking each other to task over the causes of the unrest.

The protests centre mostly on education and school conditions, and the forces of order continue to take action to restore order and to keep educational institutions functioning safely.