A PROTESTER has been killed and 47 others injured during roadblocks set up around France to demonstrate against rising fuel taxes, in a new challenge to embattled President Emmanuel Macron.

The protester was killed when a driver caught in traffic accelerated in a panic at Pont-de-Beauvoisin, near Chambery.

According to French media reports, the protesters reportedly knocked on her car as she tried to take her daughter to hospital. An investigation has been launched.

Police said three of the 47 injured in separate incidents are in serious condition. Officials said 24 people have been detained and 17 held for questioning.

The Interior Ministry said about 125,000 protesters were involved in 2000 demonstrations around France.

Police at first held back protesters from advancing on Paris’s Champs-Elysees, with police vans, but up to 200 people were later seen walking down the street, apparently heading towards the Elysee presidential palace.