In the ninth night of violence bands of youths launched arson attacks, burning nearly 900 vehicles, warehouses and a nursery school in Paris suburbs. In an unprecedented sweep, authorities arrested more than 250 people overnight, and for the first time used a helicopter to chase youths armed with gasoline bombs.
At least 897 vehicles were destroyed by daybreak on Saturday. Five hundred cars were burned a night earlier.
The unrest spread in a copycat fashion to other major towns in France like Strasbourg, Rennes, Toulouse and Lille.
"The general impression is that the situation in the greater Paris area is the same as last night but there are some scattered incidents elsewhere," a police official told reporters.
The rioting began after two teenagers were electrocuted whilst running away from police who they thought were chasing them.
The violence has disclosed deep discontent in France’s immigrant community.
Many of those rioting are Muslims of North African and black African origin who suffer deep frustration at high unemployment.