Boy, 15, arrested for burning woman's face with makeshift flame-thrower as student riots continue to rock France

Published: 17:53 EDT, 3 October 2026 | Updated: 18:30 EDT, 3 October 2026 French police have arrested a 15-year-old rioter after he used a makeshift flame-thrower to burn a woman's face.The attack was captured on video as thousands of youngsters went on the rampage over poor conditions in their schools.The pupil – who has not been named – could now face charges of 'intentional violence' aggravated by 'the use of a weapon, concealing his face and attacking in a gang', a source said.In footage taken on Friday in Marseille, the victim appears to have been shoved against a bus stop after she called for an end to the vandalism. But as she recovers, a hooded individual walks forward and, using an aerosol can and a lighter, launches a burst of flame at her.She received medical treatment at the scene and it was reported in Le Parisien that she had suffered first-degree burns.A police spokesman said: 'The suspect was arrested and taken into police custody Friday evening.'Meanwhile in Bordeaux, a firefighter was filmed catching alight while attempting to put out a fire caused by protesters.They are the latest shocking scenes during a week of rioting across France where masses of public property, from schools to bus stops, have been set on fire and teachers 'doused in petrol'. Rioter blasts woman in the face with a flamethrower and off-duty cop is kicked unconscious as French student protests descend into anarchy The attack was captured on video as thousands of youngsters went on the rampage over poor conditions in their schools French CRS riot police stand in position on Friday amid clashes during a protest by high school students outside the Lycee Deodat-de-Severac high school as part of nationwide protestsVideos posted online have shown riot police using teargas and baton charges to fight back. There were almost 4,000 arrests over Thursday and Friday alone with at least 500 colleges caught up in the uprising.Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned 'an escalation of violence' adding that most of those taken into custody for a range of public order offences were aged between 15 and 18.President Emmanuel Macron has accused extremists of stirring up the trouble. Calling for calm during a speech in Madrid, he said: 'I can hear… the anxieties and anger that our youth can feel. However, none of these fears legitimise violence.'Benoit Payan, the Leftist mayor of Marseille, said: 'Our youth is legitimately concerned about its future and that of the public service. It must be able to express itself in a calm framework. I call for calm from each and every one.'And yesterday French education minister Edouard Geffray called for classes to be held remotely at schools where blockades are taking place.Mr Macron's administration has just announced a series of deeply unpopular spending cuts in its 2027 budget, including less money for schools and colleges. Bally Bagayoko, a member of La France Insoumise (LFI), takes part in a demonstration called by public sector trade unions in Paris on TuesdayLeft-wing mayor dances with protesters A mayor has been accused of supporting French rioters after he was filmed laughing and dancing with them outside a blocked-off school.Footage showed Bally Bagayoko being cheered on by pupils while flames rose from a burning bin near the building's gates behind him.It is also alleged Mr Bagayoko – mayor of Paris's St Denis suburb – said 'violence can be legitimate' when a teenager is faced with police firing rubber bullets and using teargas.The Paris Police Prefecture has filed a complaint against him for 'incitement to commit a crime'. Mr Bagayoko is a member of the hard-Left party France Unbowed. Other members have been seen outside blockaded buildings, with Emmanuel Macron accusing 'political leaders' of trying 'to whip up the pupils'.READ MORE: Left-wing Parisian mayor joins in the riots convulsing France - as firefighter is set alight and protesters threaten to burn down the Elysee Palace