Peaceful protests in Germany spiral into violence and looting

Peaceful protests in Germany spiral into violence and looting.

Key points

• At least 54 individuals were arrested in Frankfurt and over 100 police officers left injured, according to German authorities.
• Besides Frankfurt – Germany's financial hub – there were outbreaks of violence in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg.
• Rioters looted shops in central Frankfurt late on Saturday as clashes erupted in German cities over the cost of living.
• The rallies were organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt – meaning "Gen Z takes charge".
• This comes as protests have been taking place throughout Europe over the rising cost of living, poor public services, and a lack of affordable housing.

Meanwhile, the rallies were organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt – meaning "Gen Z takes charge". Thousands had taken part in the largely peaceful demonstrations throughout Germany before violence broke out.

This comes as protests have been taking place throughout Europe over the rising cost of living, poor public services, and a lack of affordable housing. The BBC's world correspondent Joe Inwood reports.

Taken together, the developments around peaceful protests in Germany spiral into violence and looting point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.