France fuel protests: 'More than 400 injured' as road blockades continue into second day

Hundreds of people have been injured as the France fuel protests continued into a second day.

The BBC reported the injury toll has now exceeded 400 over Saturday and Sunday, while 157 people were arrested.

It came as protesters from the “yellow vest” movement formed road blockades across the country.

Pictures on Sunday from one blockade in Caen, Normandy, showed thick plumes of smoke in the air as protesters burned tyres and wood in the middle of the highway.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been rallying against higher fuel taxes and president Emmanuel Macron's economic policies.

The protests have caused major traffic jams and several accidents, including one fatality on Saturday. A driver reportedly panicked when people surrounded her car, leading her to press the accelerator. A female protester died after she was hit.

Most of the injuries came as drivers tried to get around the blockades on motorway slip roads, tunnel entrances and airport access roads.

In some cases, police have been forced to use tear gas to push back protesters.

The demonstrations came amid mounting dissatisfaction with Mr Macron, who some view as out of touch with ordinary people.

Additional reporting by agencies.