French police and gendarmerie have engaged armoured vehicles of the Centaure type in Paris and Marseilles, on the eve of protests warned due to increased cost of living.

In Paris an armoured vehicle was located behind the National Assembly building.

In Marseille, security forces patroled roads accompanied by armoured vehicles and a truck of water to distribute crowds.

YouTube www.youtube.com

Security measures come amid concerns of escalation of violence during the protests, following clashes, lootings and arson recorded in several French cities last weekend.

French authorities have stepped up security measures to prevent repeat violent incidents and keep the situation under control.

Protests are expected to focus on citizens’ discontent with rising prices and economic difficulties weighing family budgets. /Telegraphy/