More than 1,000 people were arrested in France after violent protests, clashes with riot police, looting and buildings set on fire, police said. Protests flared in Paris and other cities as crowds turned unruly into the evening. Riot police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse people, while several buildings were burned. In Limoges, the 140-year-old town hall was among the properties targeted. A major blaze caused part of the roof to collapse. Looting and vandalism were reported across multiple cities, with town halls and businesses hit. An estimated 550,000 people took to the streets on Saturday. The French government described the unrest as an escalation in violence, and authorities moved to respond as concerns over public safety grew. The arrests are part of the ongoing response to the unrest, with officials continuing to deal with the violence as protests carry on.