More than 300 people have been arrested in France following overnight street protests against a new labour law. Tens of thousands of people, mainly students, took to the streets yesterday to protest at the law.
Police said that in central Paris, 187 people were arrested as gangs of youths overturned cars and threw petrol bombs. Police responded with tear gas and water cannon.
Police said 46 officers were injured in clashes in the capital, and several officers were hurt the northern city of Rennes, where police made 19 arrests.
Protesters object to the new two-year first job contracts (CPEs) for those under the age of 26 which employers can break-off without explanation.
Following the protest, French President Jacques Chirac called for negotiations to 'begin as soon as possible' on the controversial law.
