The southern port city of Marseille was the scene of clashes and looting late last night in the center and further north in long-abandoned low-income areas, France 24 reports.

By order of the authorities, all urban transport was stopped from 18:00, including the metro.

Police reinforcements were sent to the city, including armored vehicles and two helicopters.

According to BBC, clashes in Marseille took place between the police and the rioters. The police used tear gas. According to French media, the clashes lasted more than an hour.

Officials said that 30 percent of those arrested were minors with the average age being just 17.

According to preliminary estimates, among those arrested were 126 people in the Paris region, 56 in Marseille and 21 in Lyon.