France protests: 448 arrested and 53 police injured as hundreds of thousands march over wages and prices

Police in France arrested 448 people and 53 officers were injured during nationwide strikes and protests over pay and the rising cost of living on Thursday.

The interior ministry estimated that about 575,000 people took part across the country, including 65,000 in Paris. The CGT trade union put the number much higher, at close to 1.6 million, with 350,000 in the capital.

There were tense scenes in Paris, Lyon, Rennes and Toulouse, and police broke up student blockades in Paris and Bordeaux. Officials recorded 86 fires during the day. Schools and universities were badly disrupted, with problems reported at 60 of the country's 184 higher education institutions.

The unions want pay rises for all workers and a 10 per cent increase in the minimum wage. CGT leader Sophie Binet described the strike as extremely effective.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has invited unions and employers to a meeting on social issues at his office on Monday, as pressure grows on the government to help households struggling with higher prices.