This is the moment a policewoman is chased and then kicked to the ground by a gang of young rioters amid escalating student protests across France.

What started as largely peaceful demonstrations against the state of education have descended into violent chaos, with almost 2,000 youths arrested on Thursday.

Protests began last Monday, when students and teaching staff took to French towns and cities to demand the replacement of absent teachers, an increase of educational resources, school renovations and ‘decent’ learning conditions.

Read more: Policewoman is chased down the street, kicked to the ground and beaten by mob as riots rock France