Eiffel Tower is closed due to fears of violence

THE Eiffel Tower in Paris will be closed today as French authorities tighten security to prevent another outbreak of violence following three weeks of anti-government protests.

In addition to the 8,000 police officers that will be deployed in the French capital, the Paris Police Prefecture has identified 14 high-risk sectors that will be cleared out.

Fearing protesters could target street furniture or construction sites, Paris police will remove all the glass containers, railings and building machinery set up in the identified sectors which include the Champs-Elysees avenue.

Across the country some 89,000 police will be mobilised following last weekend when more than 130 people were injured and over 400 were arrested in the worst street violence seen in the country in decades.

Authorities have also cancelled six French league football matches this weekend around thecountry.Sincetheunrestbegan on last month in reaction to a sharp rise in diesel taxes, four people have been killed in accidents.