One protester has been killed and 47 injured as demonstrators blocked roads around France to protest over fuel price increases, the interior ministry said.

Police said three of the injured are in serious condition. Officials added that 24 people have been arrested and 17 held for questioning.

An investigation is under way into the death of a protester who was hit by a driver who apparently accelerated in panic while caught in a demonstration in the eastern Savoie region, according to a regional official.

Authorities did not say how the 47 others were injured.