Student Protests Sweep France Amid Accusations of Excessive Police Force

Thousands of students, teachers and trade unionists have demonstrated in Paris and several other French cities, calling for improved conditions in education.

The protests have brought students and education workers onto the streets alongside union members, with demands focused on the state of the education system.

The government said 215 students and 715 police personnel had been injured since the protests began. The figures come amid accusations that police have used excessive force.

More than 5,000 people have been detained, according to the government. The summary figures did not specify how many of those detained were students.