French synagogue targeted by arson attempt

Paris, Aug 24 (IANS) A synagogue in the French city of La Grande-Motte was targeted on Saturday by an "obviously criminal" arson attempt, France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on social media.

A police officer was injured, and no casualties were reported from inside the synagogue, French news channel BFMTV reported.

The report said firefighters were mobilised around 8:30 a.m. local time on Saturday due to a fire breaking out in front of the synagogue, Xinhua news agency reported quoting BFMTV.

Two vehicles parked in front of the synagogue were on fire. A gas bottle was likely placed in one of the vehicles, BFMTV reported, citing a gendarmerie source.

Darmanin said that all means have been deployed to find the perpetrator.