Looters broke into a gun shop in Marseille as more than 1,000 people were arrested on the fourth night of rioting in France triggered by the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old boy.
Violence erupted across the country on Tuesday night when delivery driver Nahel M, 17, was shot by an officer during a traffic stop.
The French government ordered 45,000 police onto the streets and bus and tram services had to stop at 9pm after 1,311 people were arrested on Friday night.
The French interior ministry said 79 police officers were injured during clashes with rioters.
Despite an appeal to parents by President Emmanuel Macron to keep their children at home, street clashes between young protesters and police raged on.
About 2,500 fires were set and stores were ransacked, authorities said.
Police said looters broke into a gun shop in Marseille and made off with several hunting rifles. One person was arrested at a nearby location with one of the weapons, officers said.
Benoit Payan, the mayor of Marseille, urged the government to send additional troops to the city amid the “pillaging and violence”.
Violent clashes were also reported in other cities including Lyon, Paris and Strasbourg.
It came as British holidaymakers were warned about travelling to France amid fears that nationwide curfews will be imposed.
The Foreign Office warned travellers of potential disruption.
A statement said: “Riots have taken place across France. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted.
“There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews.
“Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable. You should monitor the media, avoid where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities.”
France’s interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, ordered a complete shutdown of all public bus and tram services which took effect before sunset yesterday.
