A PROTESTER has died as the “apocalyptic” French riots continue to grip France, with shops looted and the city hall reduced to ashes.
More than half a million people took to the streets across the country on Saturday as furious demonstrations over the cost of living descended into more chaos overnight.
The protester reportedly collapsed on Boulevard Magenta in the French capital as a march passed through the area.
He was carried by fellow demonstrators to the Château d’Eau emergency centre but could not be saved.
Paris police confirmed that one person had died following a cardiac arrest, with the exact circumstances still under investigation.
The death comes amid widespread unrest that has seen more than 2000 people arrested across France, according to the Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez.
Nuñez said 600 police, firefighters and paramedics have also been injured.
Yesterday’s day of action against the high cost of living saw 800,000 people march across France.
In Paris alone, more than 110,000 protesters flooded the streets, with scenes of destruction leaving parts of the capital resembling a warzone.
Police confirmed a record 855 arrests in the city, while 13 officers were injured.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to “punish” vandals responsible for the destruction.
Demonstrators continued to clash with cops overnight as new footage shows Paris’ skyline engulfed in flames.
Officers struggled to contain the violent unrest as a senior commander admits they “lost control” of the city.
Masked protesters chased police vehicles and hurled petrol bombs at officers in the streets of the capital.
Officers were forced to use water cannon, tear gas and batons to control the violence.
Rioters also smashed and spray painted luxury stores including Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Kenzo across several famous streets and districts.
Supermarket shelves were stripped bare, with shocking footage showing products strewn across the aisles as looters wreaked havoc.
Other videos show crowds gathered around burning cars as flames engulfed the vehicles.
Brazen looters could be seen exiting storefronts clutching onto their stolen goods with some yobs even showing off their hauls to social media.
Dramatic footage showed violent clashes erupting between police and protesters on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis in Paris.
Officers wearing helmets and protective vests were seen swinging batons as crowds of demonstrators surged towards them.
Thick smoke filled the street as flares and tear gas were set off during the chaos.
The violence broke out just a short distance from Gare du Nord, where Eurostar trains arrive from London.
A police source described the scenes as “apocalyptic,” as groups of agitators engaged in violent clashes with law enforcement.
“There weren’t enough personnel or ammunition,” the source added.
Prosecutors have launched an investigation into organised property destruction.
They warned that civilians had also been targeted, sometimes violently, during the unrest.
The violence has also seen a historic 143-year-old spire collapse in flames as rioters wreaked havoc in central France.
Shocking footage showed the iconic town hall in Limoges engulfed in fire as thick smoke billowed into the sky.
Its historic spire crumbled under the intense heat before crashing down in front of crowds gathered below.
Local prefect Maurice Barate said the roof had collapsed onto the lower floors with around two-thirds of the building disappearing.
Mayor Benoît Payan condemned the attack on the government building as “unacceptable”.
Violence also erupted in Lyon, where masked rioters reportedly smashed their way into a government tourist office before setting it on fire.
French broadcaster BFMTV reported that hooded attackers vandalised the building and shattered its windows.
Meanwhile, metro stations across France were shut, including stops near the Champs-Élysées, presidential palace and parliament.
Some of the worst violence hit Paris and Marseille, where police buildings were attacked by rioters.
Footage showed masked youths smashing windows before hurling petrol bombs inside.
Gangs also ransacked nearby sports and clothing shops as riot police struggled to contain the chaos.
Macron said today: “There’s no place for violence in our Republic.
“Those who have engaged in destruction, attacked government offices and businesses, and even looted our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished.
“We will stand united against those sowing chaos-people who seek only to tear down our institutions and who prevent others from expressing their grievances peacefully.”
Police said by late afternoon on Saturday, hundreds of people formed unauthorized marches.
The cops added: “A new phase began with the arrival of large numbers of people whose sole aim was to steal and loot, taking advantage of the unrest”.
Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu said: “Peaceful demonstrations have a rightful place in our Republic. Arson, looting, and attacks do not.
“Today, far-Left groups orchestrated violence in several French cities – criminals joined in to loot and destroy.”
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte faced criticism for attending a Céline Dion concert as chaos swept the country.
The couple were filmed dancing in a private box on Friday night, with critics comparing them to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution of 1789.
The French president will be addressing the nation at 8pm on Sunday.