MAY DAY demonstrators in France went on the rampage today as they rallied against right wing presidential election candidate Marine Le Pen.

Fighting broke out in central Paris during a rally held close to the Place de la Bastille, where protesters shouted “Fascists out!”

11 At least three officers are reported to have been injured during clashes with protesters in Paris Credit: Getty Images

11 One of the injured riot cops is said to have suffered bad burns from a Molotov cocktail thrown by demonstrators Credit: Getty Images

11 Cops battled black-clad activists with their faces covered protesting against Marine Le Pen's first round election win Credit: Reuters

They were furious that Ms Le Pen, 48, has got through to the second round of the election to choose a new head of state.

Ms Le Pen will go head-to-head against independent favourite Emmanuel Macron, 39, on Sunday.

One Left-wing activist, who identified herself as Nicole, 22, said: “She represents racism and hatred, that’s why we’re opposing her.

“Thousands of us have come out on the street to stand up for justice and decency, and to show our shame at these fascists hoping to take over.”

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Demonstrators took part in running battles with riot police, who used tear gas and baton charges to try and keep the crowds at bay.

More than 9,000 police, gendarmes and soldiers were on duty to try to prevent trouble on what is traditionally a day of protest across France.

They were pelted with Molotov cocktails by hooded youths in shocking scenes on the streets of the French capital.

A police source quoted by the Telegraph said three officers had been hurt – including one who received serious burns.

11 Demonstrators hold a banner reading, 'No war between populations, no peace between the classes' during the march Credit: Getty Images

11 A man in a skeleton mask holds a black anarchist flag and a flare aloft as he leads the May Day march towards police lines Credit: Getty Images

11 The march soon turned violent, with protesters launching a burning trolley towards CRS riot officers Credit: Getty Images

11 Police fought back with tear gas and baton charges to try to keep the crowd at bay amid ugly scenes in the French capital Credit: EPA

Today Ms Le Pen addressed National Front (FN) supporters at the Exhibitions Park at Villepinte, north-east of Paris, calling on “nationalist France” to rise up.

She also tweeted about the violence in Paris, writing: “I pay tribute to the two injured CRS (riot police).

“It's is this mess and this laxism that I don't want to see any more in our streets.”

She is currently trailing in opinion polls, which suggest that the independent Mr Macron will win Sunday’s poll by as much as 60 per cent.

11 A trolley supporting a large cardboard dragon is set on fire and hurled towards police lines by protesters Credit: Reuters

11 French riot cops try to push away a burning trolley launched towards them during the annual May Day workers' rally in Paris Credit: Getty Images

11 Demonstrators rampage through the city, smashing up a bus stop as they fight pitch battles with police Credit: Getty Images

11 A demonstrator kicks a tear gas canister back towards police lines during clashes in Paris today Credit: Getty Images

Earlier her father Jean-Marie Le Pen laid a wreath of Joan of Arc in Paris.

Mr Le Pen, who remains the honorary president of the FN and who is funding his daughter’s election campaign with a loan worth more than £6million, told supporters to vote in their masses.

He was a frequent presidential candidate, and came second to the conservative Jacques Chirac in 1995.

Mr Macron meanwhile taunted his far-Right rivals by visiting the spot where her FN supporters murdered a Moroccan immigrant.

Mr Macron paid tribute at the Carousel Bridge, in central Paris, where Brahim Bouarram was killed by neo-Nazis attached to the party exactly 22 years ago today.

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