Lily Mackie-Maynard, a 27-year-old British woman, has been left heartbroken after her family's business in Paris was destroyed by hundreds of rioters. The shop, Yess Electrical, was caught up in the chaos that engulfed the French capital.
Damage and Staff Reaction
The front of the business was smashed in, with the interior ransacked. Anxious employees arrived at the shop on Quai de Valmy to find shattered glass and their workplace in ruins. Lily, from London, described the impact on her team as heartbreaking.
"What has struck me most is the impact on our team," she said. "Things can be repaired, but it has been a difficult time for the people who work there. They turned up to find the place they work every day damaged, and that's upsetting. Many of them have been shaken by it."
Wider Context of the Riots
French government officials said the riots led to unprecedented levels of violence. Around 2,400 people were arrested across the country, at least 855 in Paris alone. Almost 1,000 police and firefighters were injured.
Lily, who runs a community safety app called ZAHN, said: "One thing I have found really interesting about this situation is how quickly violent behaviour can gain momentum. Almost like a very small group of people start acting violently and then suddenly this is acceptable behaviour. Community safety has become a complete afterthought in so many communities across Europe."
Recovery Efforts
The business is now recovering, with staff working round the clock to get the shop back up and running. Lily added: "They have worked tirelessly to get the branch back up and running, and we are so grateful to every one of them. The way our team pulled together says everything."
President Emmanuel Macron said looters and those behind the violence will be pursued. He said in a televised address: "We all feel anger and shame this evening."
