Video showing the moment the town hall in Limoges was destroyed. (Photo: X)
\n\nA historic town hall in the French city of Limoges has been largely destroyed by a fire during a day of violent protests across the country, with the building’s roof collapsing and much of its facade disappearing.
\n\nThe blaze engulfed the 143-year-old municipal building on Saturday after masked protesters reportedly broke into the premises and set a fire. The building, constructed in 1883 and inspired by Paris City Hall, is one of Limoges’s best-known landmarks.
\n\nMaurice Barate, the local prefect, told AFP that the building had been "largely lost". "The roof has collapsed onto lower floors, except the west wing, and two-thirds of the exterior has already disappeared," he said.
\n\nBarate described the damage as a "catastrophe for heritage" and condemned what he called a "deliberate act by hooligans".
\n\nWitnesses said a group of masked protesters had set fire to a police car outside the town hall before smashing windows and entering the building. The fire spread from the ground floor to the roof and bell tower as firefighters worked to contain it.
\n\nSeveral shops in central Limoges were also looted. Footage from the scene showed flames…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/latest-news
