Brits warned about travelling to France amid riots

French President Emmanuel Macron has so far held off on declaring a state of emergency, but the crisis has grown as rioting spreads across the country following the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old boy.

French interior minister Gerald Darmanin told French news channel BFMTV that by around 3am on Friday there had been at least 471 arrests made across the country, following on from the 917 arrests made on Thursday.

At least nine arrests were made in the Parisian suburb of Nanterre, authorities said those who were arrested had petrol jerry cans and Molotov cocktails.

Mr Darmanin ordered a nationwide night-time shutdown of all public buses and trams in response to the riots and added 5,000 police to the streets, increasing the number to 45,000 overall.

Brits are being warned about travelling to France. (Image: Jean-Francois Badias/AP/PA)

UK Foreign Office updates travel advice for France

Around 17 million British people visit France every year according to the UK Foreign Office, with the country a popular summer holiday destination.

But with the ongoing unrest in France, the UK Foreign Office has recently updated the travel advice for the country, warning of potential disruptions and cautioning people to be aware of the uncertain situation.

The travel advice reads: “Since June 27, riots have taken place across France. Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted.

“There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews.

“Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable. You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities.”

Why is France rioting?

The recent riots come after the police shooting of the 17-year-old, who has only been identified by his first name, Nahel, was captured on video.

Riots have broken out across France after the release of a video showing police shooting a 17-year-old boy. (Image: Christophe Ena/AP/PA)

His burial is scheduled for today (July 1).

In several Paris neighbourhoods, groups of people hurled firecrackers at security forces.

Police Stations have been attacked and looting has been carried out in shops on Rivoli Street, near the Louvre museum, and at the Forum des Halles - the largest shopping centre in central Paris.

While in Nanterre cars have been flipped and set alight.