'Student' riots rock France as masked men torch schools and douse teachers in petrol

Student protests have escalated into widespread riots in France with schools set on fire and teachers beaten and doused in petrol. Rioters have unleashed chaos in major cities across the country after what started as largely peaceful demonstrations against the state of education descended into violent chaos. Protests began last Monday, when students and teaching staff alike took to French towns and cities to demand the replacement of absent teachers, an increase of educational resources, school renovations and 'decent' learning conditions. But disorder has spread since Tuesday with some 600 arrests and 85 police officers wounded. The unrest gathered pace...