French police have thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of America building in Paris, and detained a person, authorities have said.
The incident happened early on Saturday when officers spotted two suspects carrying a shopping bag near the premises in the 8th arrondissement of the capital, according to RTL radio, citing police sources.
One of the suspects, who was holding a lighter, was attempting to ignite a device, RTL said.
The second suspect managed to escape.
The Paris police prefecture declined to comment.
The national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, or PNAT, said it has opened an investigation into alleged terrorism-related offences.
The suspected offences include attempted damage by fire or by a dangerous means, the manufacture of an incendiary or explosive device, the possession and transport of such devices with the intent to prepare dangerous damage, and involvement in a terrorist criminal association.
A person was placed in police custody.
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