Trump urges France to shut borders over immigration

US President Donald Trump has called on France to close its borders and take control of immigration, claiming that the arrival of people from different backgrounds had contributed to the country's problems.

The remarks come amid nationwide protests in France over rising living costs and poor conditions in schools that descended into violence, with police arresting at least 1,800 people. Violent groups clashed with officers, looted shops and set fires to public buildings in several cities. In Limoges, flames engulfed the 19th-century City Hall, causing its roof to collapse.

Authorities estimated that around 550,000 people took part in the demonstrations across France, while organisers put the turnout at about 800,000. More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.

French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to hold an emergency meeting with senior government officials on Sunday before addressing the nation.

“France is burning!” Trump said, warning that it could be “too late” for the country to act. He alleged that immigrants brought hatred with them and said immigration had damaged France.