This video can not be played

A clock tower spire has collapsed in a ball of flames in the French city of Limoges amid nationwide protests.

The local prefecture said the town hall was "largely lost" in a blaze started deliberately.

Fire crews were still battling the blaze late into the night, while eyewitnesses captured the dramatic moment the tower's turret fell.

Watch: Moment historic French town hall spire collapses in flames amid protests. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment historic French town hall spire collapses in flames amid protests

Up Next. How day of protests unfolded as disorder breaks out across France. Video, 00:01:13How day of protests unfolded as disorder breaks out across France

Watch: 'Mood has really shifted' as Paris protesters clash with police. Video, 00:01:00Watch: 'Mood has really shifted' as Paris protesters clash with police

What we know about the Pope's lung cancer diagnosis. Video, 00:01:22What we know about the Pope's lung cancer diagnosis

Violent clashes between police and protesters in Albania. Video, 00:01:20Violent clashes between police and protesters in Albania

Did Tesla really just unveil a flying car? Video, 00:01:18Did Tesla really just unveil a flying car?

Israeli settlers attack Palestinians in West Bank during olive harvest. Video, 00:01:05Israeli settlers attack Palestinians in West Bank during olive harvest

Community 'heartbroken and horrified' after Oregon school shooting. Video, 00:00:29Community 'heartbroken and horrified' after Oregon school shooting

At the scene of a school roof collapse in Pakistan. Video, 00:01:13At the scene of a school roof collapse in Pakistan

An Australian band’s ‘unreal’ journey to break a gig world record. Video, 00:02:01An Australian band’s ‘unreal’ journey to break a gig world record

Watch: What does Starlink have to do with the Ukraine-Russia war? Video, 00:01:33Watch: What does Starlink have to do with the Ukraine-Russia war?

Watch: Pupils heard 'cracking' sound  moments before Pakistan school roof collapse. Video, 00:01:08Watch: Pupils heard 'cracking' sound  moments before Pakistan school roof collapse

Watch: Harry and Meghan at first joint engagement since UK return. Video, 00:01:13Watch: Harry and Meghan at first joint engagement since UK return