France, Oct. 18 -- More than 1,200 people were arrested and 150 police officers and gendarmes were injured during the protests over the poor conditions in schools and rising prices.

Several demonstrators were also injured, said security service officials.

In Saint-Etienne, western France, a 17-year-old had his hand blown off by a grenade thrown by security forces.

"Those who smashed things up, attacked prefectures and businesses, and looted our town halls will be prosecuted and punished," said President Emmanuel Macron on social media.

"We will stand united against those sowing chaos, whose only aim is to bring down our institutions."

After visiting police and gendarmes on Saturday night, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, said...