French authorities have detained a 15-year-old suspect following an incident during student protests in Marseille, where a makeshift flamethrower was reportedly used against a woman. The arrest took place on Saturday after video footage circulated showing a hooded individual igniting an aerosol can and directing flames at the woman's face.

The assault occurred amid ongoing demonstrations across several French cities, which have led to widespread disruption, including the temporary closure of hundreds of schools. The woman, dressed in a blue suit and carrying a shopping bag, appeared to be standing near a bus stop when she was pushed with a pedestrian barrier by a group of youths. As she tried to regain her balance, the hooded individual approached and sprayed fire toward her face, causing visible injury. Reports indicate she sustained first-degree burns.

The protests, which began last month, originated primarily in economically disadvantaged suburbs where students have raised concerns over overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, and frequent teacher absences. While initial sympathy was extended to the demonstrators, public support has waned following several alarming incidents caught on camera. These include a police officer being assaulted while unconscious and educators being attacked outside school premises.

Additional footage from the unrest shows another youth attempting to set a tree on fire and pouring petrol on a teacher who was intervening to extinguish the blaze. According to Education Minister Edouard Geffray, nearly 2,000 secondary schools have been affected by the disturbances since the protests commenced on September 21. The minister also reported that at least 65 school personnel, including 40 headteachers, have been injured. Meanwhile, injuries have been recorded among some 170 students and roughly 300 police officers engaged in managing the demonstrations.

Authorities continue to address the escalating violence amid calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution to the ongoing disputes within the French education system.