French car-burning returns for New Years’ Eve

A total of 874 cars have been set alight during New Years Eve celebrations in France, police say.

However, the interior ministry said the number was much lower than in 2019. Authorities also reported a rise in the number of people stopped and detained.

A curfew to tackle Covid-19 meant no significant disruption took place this time last year.

Car burning has effectively become an annual event in French suburbs since riots in 2005 in several cities.