FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Desperate police had to resort to tear gas to try and control the violent protest against police brutality in the city of Dijon last night. The widespread protests were sparked after a 22-year-old man, Theo, claimed he was sexually assaulted by a police officer. Videos have surfaced of cars burning, police reversing away from protesters and general havoc in Paris suburbs, particularly Bobigny.

EPA The presidential candidates in France have slammed the government for losing control

The government is locked into a silence which reflects both its cowardice and its powerlessness Marine Le Pen

On Monday night, a video of burning rubbish in the Paris suburb of Epinay-sur-Seine emerged on Twitter. Another disturbing video shows a crowd of hooded youths attacking a building in Bobigny. Leader of the Front National (FN), Marine Le Pen, said: “Faced with this situation, which makes France a national disgrace and the misfortune of the inhabitants of the districts affected, the government is locked into a silence which reflects both its cowardice and its powerlessness.”

ALAMY Police used tear gas to control protesters in Dijon this week

The violent riots have led to the arrest of 37 people. The niece of Ms Le Pen, Marion, published a video purporting to show rioters shouting “Allahu Akbar” and police have even been forced out of certain suburbs. Conservative presidential candidate, Francois Fillon, said yesterday: “Until yesterday, the Home Secretary has been silent. Would it hurt Bruno le Roux to stop being silent?” Mr Fillon said the government must act as the victims of the violence will be the people who live in the suburbs themselves.

Riots in Paris after alleged police brutality Tue, February 7, 2017 Chaos in Paris as video emerges of ‘police raping black youth with truncheon’. The man was rushed to hospital and was reportedly 'traumatised' with a 'severe wound'. Clashes between young protesters and police forces sparked for the second evening and left several cars burnt and five people in custody in Aulnay-sous-Bois. Play slideshow Twitter 1 of 10 Cars were torched

ALAMY The government has been criticised for not acting quickly enough with the riots

Marion, also a member of FN, tweeted: “Real poverty is rural and I don’t see them burning cars”, before she said that she would want to employ 15,000 more police officers and have a zero tolerance policy. The crowd chanted slogans during the protests including “Rapists in jail,” “Everyone hates the police,” “Justice for Théo,” and “No justice, no peace”. Ms Le Pen also said: "Safety is not a privilege but a fundamental right which needs to be re-established for every French person.”

GETTY Protesters have been burning items in the middle of the street as part of the protests