CORRECTION: The headline of the following article has been updated in order to reflect that the move by the policemen hasn't necessarily been made "in solidarity" with the protesters; this suggestion has spread on social media but hasn't been backed by evidence so far.
A video of French police officers removing their helmets in what social media users claimed was a "gesture of solidarity with the protesters" has gone viral.
Two dozen policemen in riot gear, apparently on duty to prevent clashes amid the fuel protests were standing several steps away from demonstrators when they started taking off their helmets.
The move incited a overwhelming applause from the yellow vest protesters.
READ MORE: One Dead Following Accident at 'Yellow Vests' Roadblock in S France — Prosecutor
Over 400 people have been detained and more than 100 people injured, including police officers during mass riots organised by activists protesting the growing prices for fuel that have resulted from a diesel tax passed last year.