In pictures: French fishermen protest

French fishermen have clashed with riot police in Paris during protests over sharp increases in the cost of fuel.

Dozens of flares were let off near the agriculture ministry, where trade unions were negotiating with the government.

Fishermen also blockaded several French ports, stopping ferry traffic with the UK.

The fishermen are demanding a bigger subsidy from the government, which says it is seeking approval from the European Union to give state aid.

But the fishermen say that agreement is redundant because fuel prices have risen so sharply.

The protests began last week in La Rochelle on France's west coast, before spreading to northern ports.