by A.P.
Despite coronavirus lockdown restrictions on New Year’s Eve, cities across France saw urban violence, dozens of cars set on fire, and one man killed after being decapitated by fireworks.
Car fires are common on New Year’s Eve in many of France’s no-go neighbourhoods, and the coronavirus lockdowns did not prevent car fires taking place again this year.
In the city of Angers, 41 cars were set on fire during the night, according to a report from Ouest France, which added that emergency services members were also attacked and targetted by fireworks. 49 police officers and an additional 53 gendarmes were deployed in response to the violence, but just two teens were arrested.
Bordeaux saw similar scenes, with an estimated 30 cars set on fire including one police vehicle. Several other fires were also set, including at a local post office in the Aubiers district. Despite reports of multiple incidents of police being attacked, no one was arrested over the course of the night.
Dozens of cars were reported as being set on fire in Lyon, but reports noted that the number of cars set on fire was at least lower than in previous years.