Suspect held over fire that gutted historic Limoges town hall amid French unrest

French authorities have arrested a 34-year-old suspect linked to a far-left movement following a fire that destroyed part of a 19th century city hall in Limoges, according to French media reports.

The blaze broke out on Saturday amid widespread disorder, engulfing the clock tower and sections of the roof of the ornate building before they collapsed. Reports from FranceInfo and BFM TV say the detained man is known to police for previous violence against public officials and is listed on a national security watchlist.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a large police deployment ahead of further planned protests this weekend. Several French cities are introducing curfews this week in response to the unrest.

Marseille mayor Benoît Payan said on social media that local authorities had ordered a curfew beginning that evening and continuing for several days. He said the restriction would apply to minors and be limited to commercial districts that suffered looting the previous weekend.

In Paris, the police commissioner extended an overnight curfew in the capital, with the Préfecture de Police stating the measure would remain in place for as long as necessary.

A curfew covering part of central Lyon was renewed on Tuesday, while similar nighttime restrictions continue in Nice and Lille. Bordeaux has also begun a week-long overnight curfew starting Tuesday night.