A historic town hall in the French city of Limoges has been damaged in an apparent arson attack following a day of nationwide protests on Saturday.

Dramatic footage shared online shows the 19th-century building engulfed in flames, with the spire of its clock tower later collapsing.

On Sunday, stunned residents watched as firefighters, who had battled the blaze through the night, assessed the building’s structural integrity. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the town hall is at risk of collapse.

“Damaging heritage buildings because you’re angry with the government is selfish”, one resident told the BBC.

BBC correspondent Chris Bockman reports from Limoges.

Read more about the protests across France.