Hundreds of pupils held as France crisis grows

RIOTERS as young as 12 were among 153 arrested at a single high school in France as the country’s law and order crisis intensified.

Astonishing video of police guarding the youngsters from the school in Mante-laJolie, 30 miles west of Paris, was posted on social media.

The pupils are on their knees. Some have their hands bound and are facing a wall while the rest have their hands behind their heads.

Officers in riot gear are barking out instructions after telling the children they all faced violent disorder charges including ‘participation in an armed crowd’. All had allegedly taken part in a nationwide day of action aimed at blockading schools and colleges in opposition to reform of the education system, and in support of the ‘Yellow Vest’ demonstrators.

Cars and bins had been burnt at the Mante-la-Jolie school, and there had also been threats to burn it down, according to police. An Interior Ministry source said 700 pupils were arrested across France in connection with the school demonstrations.

President Emmanuel Macron has backed down over tax rises that sparked protests but more are expected today.

‘Participation in an armed crowd’