Lyon tourist office branch set ablaze during October 17 protests

Violent clashes erupted Saturday on Place Bellecour in Lyon, where groups attacked and set fire to a tourist office branch, prompting police intervention. Police used a water cannon to disperse protesters throwing projectiles. The Rhône prefecture stated officers were maneuvering to break up violent groups, as hostile individuals were blocking firefighters from safely reaching the blaze. The arson occurred as hooded youths launched projectiles and firecrackers at police, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades. Smoke forced demonstrators to move across the square.