Left-wing extremists have claimed responsibility for an arson attack on a police station in France apparently timed to coincide with street protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s labour law reforms today.

Around 50 vehicles were destroyed in the blaze in the car park by the gendarmerie in Grenoble in eastern France. A police officer was hospitalised after inhaling smoke, but his condition is not thought to be serious.

The fire, which began in the early hours, came as unions stage a second day of nationwide protests against Mr Macron’s reform, amid concerns that violent groups may seek to stoke unrest.