Violence and looting follow largely peaceful protests in Germany

At least 54 people were arrested in Frankfurt and more than 100 police officers were injured after violence and looting broke out during protests over the cost of living, German authorities say. The demonstrations, organised by campaign group Gen Z regelt, had been largely peaceful before disorder spread to several cities on Saturday.

Shops were looted in central Frankfurt late on Saturday, the BBC reports. It says violence also broke out in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg. The authorities’ figures on arrests and injured officers were not broken down by city.

The protests reflect wider concerns across Europe about rising living costs, public services and a lack of affordable housing. A separate BBC report on youth protests across Europe describes demonstrations with varying national grievances and says some have turned violent.