Police thwart suspected bomb attack outside Bank of America building in Paris

French police have thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of America building in Paris, and detained a person, authorities say.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors have begun an investigation after a man allegedly tried to ignite an improvised explosive device close to the US bank's premises.

The incident happened early on Saturday when officers spotted two suspects carrying a shopping bag near the building in the capital's 8th arrondissement, or district, according to RTL radio, citing police sources.

One of the suspects, who was holding a lighter, was attempting to light a device, RTL said.

He was arrested in the area at around 3.25am local time (2.25am UK time) and was taken into custody, according to Le Parisien.

The second suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

The detained suspect told police he had been contacted via Snapchat and paid 600 euros (£520) to carry out the act, adding he was driven to the scene by another person, ⁠Le Parisien reported.

The newspaper said the device consisted of a 5-litre container ​filled with an unidentified liquid and an explosive charge made of 650g ​of powder.

It was secured and handed over to forensic experts from the Paris police laboratory, according to Le Parisien.

The Paris police authority declined to comment.

"We are aware of the situation and are communicating with the authorities," a Bank of America spokesperson said.

An investigation into alleged terrorism-related offences has been opened by the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office, or PNAT.

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.

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France's interior minister Laurent Nunez praised officers, saying on social media: "Well done to the rapid intervention of a Paris police prefecture unit, which made it possible to thwart a violent act of a terrorist nature overnight in Paris.

"Vigilance remains at a very high level.

"I commend all security and intelligence forces, fully mobilised under my authority in the current international context."

Since the Iran war started, French authorities have strengthened the protection of Iranian opposition figures and increased security around sites that may be a target, including those linked to US interests and to the Jewish community, Mr Nunez previously said.

(c) Sky News 2026: Police thwart suspected bomb attack outside Bank of America building in Paris