King Charles III’s state visit to France has been postponed, as the nation faces further protests over pension reforms.

France’s Elysée Palace said the decision was taken because of a 10th day of protests planned for Tuesday.

The trip to Paris and Bordeaux was due to begin on Sunday, but both cities saw some of the worst violence on Thursday since the protests began in January.

Officials had earlier insisted there were no known threats to the trip.

The entrance to the town hall in Bordeaux was set alight.

In the capital, tear gas was fired and Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said 903 fires were lit, in a city where refuse has been left uncollected since 6 March.

“This decision was taken by the French and British governments and after a phone call between the French president and the King this morning” the Elysée said.

“So that his majesty will be welcomed in conditions which correspond our friendly relationship… this state visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile,

Bordeaux town hall has been set on fire as French protests continued over plans to raise the pension age.

More than a million people took to the streets across France on Thursday, with 119,000 in Paris, according to figures from the interior ministry.

Police fired tear gas at protesters in the capital and 80 people were arrested across the country.

The demonstrations were sparked by legislation raising the retirement age by two years to 64.

It was not clear who was responsible for the blaze, which was quickly put out by firefighters.

Bbc/Adebukola Aluko

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