PHOTOS: National Strike in Montpellier ends with disturbances

In Montpellier and across France, Thursday 5th December was the day of a national strike in protest against pension reforms.

According to official figures released to Midi Libre, more than 20,000 people took part in the Montpellier strike, which ended in disturbances on Place de la Comedie.

Police fought running battles with protesters until early evening, firing teargas in repeated attempts to clear the city’s main square.

The protesters eventually left of their own accord, but not before setting a small fire on the square.