PARIS: More than 1100 vehicles were set on fire and over 500 people detained across France during New Year's Eve celebrations, the country's Interior Ministry has revealed.
In accordance with the Interior Minister's firm instructions, which required a high degree of responsiveness and mobility, law enforcement intervened immediately in cases of violence or vandalism, the ministry asserted.
"As a result, 505 people were arrested (420 in 2024) and 403 were taken into custody (310 in 2024). Furthermore, a significant number of collective defence measures were deployed, demonstrating the systematic response of the internal security forces: 1, 262, " read a statement issued by the ministry.
"On the other hand, there has been an increase in vehicles set on fire (main source and spread): 1, 173 vehicles burned, compared to 984 last year, " it added.