In brief
In Limoges, a historic town hall that dates back to the 1800s caught fire after a day of protests across France. The 19‑story building, complete with a clock tower, was engulfed in flames and the spire collapsed. Firefighters fought the blaze into the night and assessed the building’s safety the following day. Residents described the attack as a selfish act, calling it "very upsetting". BBC correspondent Chris Bockman reports from the scene.
A historic 19th‑century town hall in the French city of Limoges was set on fire after the city’s residents returned from a day of protests that spread across France.
Videos circulating online show the building pounding in flames, with the clock tower’s spire falling down inside the blaze. Firefighters fought the fire into the night, and on Sunday they examined the structure for cracks and possible collapse.
Residents gathered in shock, with one neighbour calling the attack “very upsetting” and saying the arsonists were “selfish” for damaging heritage buildings in anger. BBC correspondent Chris Bockman reports from Limoges.
The incident echoes concerns about how historic sites in France are being threatened after protests erupted across the country. Officials are still evaluating whether the town hall poses a danger to the public.
