'The far-left kills!' Thousands march in France for student beaten to death by 'Antifa activists'

At least 3,0000 participants carried white tulips, banners and placards through the streets, some bearing the face of Mr Deranque himself.

Huge banners reading "justice for Quentin" and "the far-left kills" were also seen being paraded through the streets.

At the marches, protesters chanted the same, with cries of "justice for Quentin" and "antifa assassin" heard in Lyon.

Police maintained a heavy presence throughout, and recorded no significant incidents throughout the day.

Mr Deranque's parents had urged those protesting to remain calm and chose not to attend themselves.

President Emmanuel Macron, who just days ago attacked Italian PM Giorgia Meloni for commemorating the student's death, urged restraint before the march.

"This is a moment of remembrance and respect for this young compatriot who was killed, for his family and loved ones. That must come first. And then it is a moment of firmness and responsibility," he said.

Mr Deranque was beaten to death in the street just days ago after tensions at a protest escalated.

A confrontation between right-wing and left-wing activists near a student event where a hard-left politician was speaking soon turned to violence, with the 23-year-old and others left helpless in the street as masked men kicked, punched and stamped on them.

Seven people now face murder charges in connection with the attack.

Among those accused are a parliamentary assistant and a former intern who worked for the far-left party France Unbowed (LFI).

Eleven people were initially detained, many with ties to left-wing movements including the anti-fascist group Young Guard.

The killing also sparked an international row between France and Italy.

Ms Meloni described the death as "a wound for all of Europe" and blamed "groups linked to left-wing extremism" for Mr Deranque's death.

Mr Macron then spat: "Let everyone stay in their own lane."

The French President added: "I'm always struck by how people who are nationalists, who don't want to be bothered in their own country, are always the first ones to comment on what's happening in other countries."

He then confirmed these remarks were aimed directly at Ms Meloni.

Her office said she had "expressed her deep condolences and dismay at the tragic killing of young Quentin Deranque and condemned the climate of ideological hatred that is sweeping through several European countries".

A source added: "These statements represent a sign of solidarity with the French people affected by this terrible event and do not in any way interfere in France's internal affairs."

The killing has intensified political tensions in France ahead of March's municipal elections and the 2027 presidential vote.

Marine Le Pen's National Rally is widely tipped to win the presidential race, despite her controversial ban from standing as a candidate.

Jordan Bardella, the party's leader and frontrunner for next year, demanded the resignation of Raphael Arnault, the lawmaker who employed two of the suspects.

Mr Bardella said: "The left and the far-left have crossed an unacceptable red line in our democracy: respect for the opinions and physical integrity of their opponents."

Mr Arnault confirmed that one of his aides had "stopped all parliamentary work".