French labour protests turn violent

Masked youths hurl stones at police and set fires as another day of strikes takes hold in France.

More than 200 strikes and protests were planned across the country as workers and students continue to vent anger at government plans to raise the national retirement age from 60 to 62. Some people appear to be taking the opportunity to lash out violently, setting fires in garbage cans and skirmishing with riot police in scenes reminiscent of riots that spread across the country in 2005. An Associated Press photographer was reportedly knocked off his motorbike and beaten by protestors. This is the sixth day of national action over the pension plan since September. Strikes at oil refineries have caused fuel shortages, and between 30 to 50 per cent of flights at most major airports will be canceled today.