In brief
After a day of nationwide protests, a 19th‑century town hall in Limoges was set alight, possibly by arson. Firefighters fought the blaze overnight, assessing damage to a historic landmark that now faces uncertain structural stability. A resident voiced anger over citizens damaging heritage buildings while French protests continue nationwide. The incident underscores tensions in the country as demonstrators rally over a range of political and social issues.
A 19th‑century town hall in the French city of Limoges was set alight in what appears to be an arson attack following Saturday’s nationwide protests. The blaze unfolded after the building, a historic landmark, caught fire in the late afternoon, with dramatic footage showing the fire spreading across its façade and the clock tower’s spire collapsing later in the day.
Firefighters battled the fire through the night and on Sunday assessed the building’s structural integrity. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the town hall is at risk of collapse, but the damage is extensive and concerns the future of the historic landmark.
“Damaging heritage buildings because you're angry with the government is selfish,” one resident told the BBC as people watched the responders work.
The incident comes amid protests across France, with demonstrators rallying over a range of political and social issues. For background on the broader national protest movement, read more about the protests across France.
BBC correspondent Chris Bockman reports from Limoges.
