France probes attempted murder after petrol bomb attack

French prosecutors have opened an attempted murder investigation following an incident in which petrol bombs were thrown at security forces during weekend protests in Paris.

The attack occurred on October 31, as part of a third weekend of demonstrations against rising living costs. Clashes erupted in Paris and other cities, with hundreds of thousands of people participating.

According to the Paris police prefecture, several hundred rioters attacked security forces with projectiles, including a Mol,otov cocktail. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned the violence as 'extraordinary.'

Prosecutors confirmed that explosive devices were thrown at around 15 gendarmes and police officers. A gendarme struck by a Molotov cocktail described suffering second-degree burns and being subjected to a 'rain' of projectiles.

Dramatic footage showed a homemade incendiary device exploding at the feet of a security officer, causing severe burns to his lower body. An assessment of the injured is ongoing.

No suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, though investigators are working to identify those responsible. Far-right leader Marine le Pen called for severe punishment of those involved.