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Flares and drums as French protesters strike over retirement age

Colourful flares were lit and drums played as French protesters marched against government plans to push back the age of retirement.

A new bill, due to go through parliament, will raise the official age at which people can stop work from 62 to 64.

Large demonstrations drawing tens of thousands are expected throughout the day.

19 January 2023

French politics

Emmanuel Macron

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Man seen rescuing trapped children in Valencia floods

The man and four children, including his daughter, were trapped inside at a English language school.

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Queen Letizia, with mud on her face, cries as she visits Paiporta in flood-hit Valencia

Queen Letizia in tears on visit to flood-hit Valencia

As anger flared in the stricken town of Paiporta, the Queen of Spain, with mud smeared on her face, was seen crying.

The BBC's Mark Lowen stands amidst scenes of chaos and flooding damage in Paiporta, the worst hit suburb of Valencia

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The BBC's Mark Lowen in Paiporta: "People are picking up mud, throwing it at the king"

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Spain's King Felipe VI is visiting the Valencia region, which has been hit by unprecedented floods.

Veronica Briz, a volunteer helping flood victims in Valencia, stands in front of an aid distribution queue

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Video shows first wave of flood water gushing through town in Valencia

Cars were still driving along streets when the Valencian town of Paiporta was hit by devastating floods.

Nicky Schiller pointing at a water mark high on a wall, in the background the street is filled with mud

Valencia floods: 'There is mud everywhere here'

The BBC's Nicky Schiller says the La Torre area of the city has been completely devastated.

A head and shoulders crop of Bethany Bell as she reports live from flood devastated Paiporta, with a car and building behind her and what looks like silt from floodwaters on the ground

'We all know someone who has died'

The BBC has visited Paiporta, Valencia, where dozens of people have been confirmed dead.

Road partially collapsed and flooded area

Trail of destruction after Spanish floods

At least 158 people were killed following flash floods in southern Spain.

Nicky Schiller in Valencia at flooding scene

Valencia floods aftermath 'like a disaster movie'

The BBC's Nicky Schiller reports from the scene of Spanish flooding where cars are piled up.

Cars are piled in the street with other debris after flash floods hit parts of southern Spain

Watch: Helicopters and diggers used in rescues as flooding causes chaos in Spain

At least 95 people have died and more are missing after torrential rain caused devastating flash floods.