FRANCE ERUPTS AS ARRESTS HIT 400, GOVERNMENT COUNTS 550,000 PROTESTERS AND YOUNG DEMONSTRATOR LOSES HAND IN SAINT ÉTIENNE

French authorities say approximately 400 people were arrested during nationwide demonstrations on October 17 as protests over living costs, education and public services drew about 550,000 people according to the government and roughly 800,000 according to organisers. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 110 marches took place across France. Violence broke out in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Limoges and other cities, with shops looted, vehicles set ablaze and public buildings damaged. Authorities have also opened an investigation after a young protester lost a hand in Saint Étienne. Nuñez declined to confirm media reports that the injury was caused by a police grenade.