Hundreds of protesters clashed with police as riots spread into Paris on Wednesday night.
Tear-gas was used by police as rioting that originated in the suburbs spilled into the French capital around the Barbes Metro station, close to Gare du Nord.
It follows the alleged rape of a young black man, named only as Theo, by French police.
Protesters started fires and smashed windows, while there were reports of riot police being attacked and shops looted.
Fire crews raced to the scene to extinguish the blazes as police desperately tried to disperse the crowds.
There has been heightened tension in council estates in Paris since February 2 when a 22-year-old youth worker named Theo was allegedly beaten up, raped and racially abused by police.
One unidentified officer has been charged with rape, and three more with assault since Theo was sent to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
Since the alleged attack there have been reports of police stations and squad cars being targeted, as well as patrols operating around France.
President Francois Hollande, who has visited Theo, has appealed for calm.
Wednesday night's protest at Barbes was illegal as police refused to give permission for it.
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