Paris riots ‘worst in 50 years’ as thousands of masked thugs carrying weapons smash city leaving 133 hurt
Calls for a State of Emergency to be declared and for the Army to take to the streets after landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe are attacked
FRENCH police chiefs today called for a State of Emergency to be declared and for the Army to take to the streets following the worst rioting in Paris in 50 years.
The Arc de Triomphe was among hundreds of buildings attacked by anti-government ‘Yellow Vest’ fuel price protesters on Saturday — who said their actions were "the start of a revolution".
And at least 100 people, including 14 police officers, were seriously injured in the riots.
Earlier, fired-up demonstrators piled up large planks and other material in the middle of a street near the Arc de Triomphe before torching the debris.
Some people scaled the 19th century arch, and at one point hundreds sat beneath it shouting, "Macron resign."
Shocking footage also showed protesters surrounding and beating a police officer at the famous monument.
Police fired tear gas and used water cannons to try to push back mobs of protesters - said to contain right and left wing extremists.
Some demonstrators - fired up by the rising fuel prices in the country - responded by throwing large rocks at officers.
Others removed the barriers around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to pose near its eternal flame and sing the national anthem.
There were more than 100 arrests around the historic arch as baton charges were used to hold back around 1,500 demonstrators.
Gregory Joron, of the SGP police union said: "It is people’s right to demonstrate, but extremist groups have already joined in.
"Groups intent on trouble are appearing from all directions. They include those from the extreme right and the ultra-Left."
President Macron said those who attacked police and vandalized the Arc de Triomphe will be "held responsible for their acts."
He added: "(Violence) has nothing to do with the peaceful expression of a legitimate anger" and "no cause justifies" attacks on police or pillaging stores and burning buildings
He refused to answer any questions from journalists about the situation in Paris.
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said: "I am shocked by the attacks on the symbols of France. We are committed to dialogue, but also respect for the law."
Further rallies took place across the country, spreading to Marseille, Biarritz, Antibes and into the Netherlands.
A week ago, the Yellow Vests again brought anarchy to Paris, smashing up shops and restaurants and fighting running battles with CRS riot police.
The Dior Store was among those looted — with the designer fashion business losing up to £1 million-worth of stock.
Christophe Castener, France’s Interior Minister authorised workmen to set up obstacles in front of shops to prevent rioters from smashing windows and doors.
Areas around the Elysee Palace, the office home of President Macron were in lockdown.
Mr Castaner has blamed Marine Le Pen, leader of the Far Right National Rally party, for encouraging unsavoury elements to get involved in trouble.
He slammed the "radicalisation" and "anarchy" of the movement, while conceding that hard-Left elements had also hijacked the protests.
Mr Macron has insisted that fuel prices have to rise in line with green initiatives made necessary by the Paris Climate Change agreement.
He said there would be "no possibility" of his government backing down in the face of the disturbances.
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