Lyon - French police were hunting a
suspected suitcase bomber on Friday after an explosion in the
central city of Lyon that injured 13 people, officials said.
The suspect was captured on security video leaving a bag in
front of a bakery shortly before an explosion occurred at around
5:30 pm, police sources and local mayor Denis Broliquier said.
Most of those hurt were hospitalised for treatment to leg
injuries that were described as light.
President Emmanuel Macron characterised the incident as an
"attack" when the news broke during a live YouTube interview
ahead of Sunday's European elections. "My thoughts are with the
injured," he said.
Paris anti-terrorism prosecutors opened an investigation as
police said they were treating the blast as an attempted
homicide, and Interior Minister Christophe Castaner headed to
the scene.
Soldiers of French anti-terrorist plan "Vigipirate Mission" secure the access near the site of a suspected bomb attack in central Lyon. Picture: Sebastien Erome/AP
The partially masked suspect appeared in security camera
footage wheeling a bicycle to the scene, before leaving a bag
outside a branch of Brioche Doree, a popular bakery chain.
Police are seen near the site of a suspected bomb attack in central Lyon. Picture: Emmanuel Foudrot/Reuters
Police sources described the suspected attacker as a
European or North African male, seen wearing beige Bermuda
shorts, an army-green scarf or head wrap and dark glasses.
Soon after he left, the blast rained metal bolts on
passersby in front of the premises on rue Victor Hugo, several
blocks from the city's main station, according to police.
Soldiers of French anti-terrorist plan "Vigipirate Mission", secure the area near the site of a suspected bomb attack in central Lyon. Picture: Sebastien Erome/AP
Police forces across France have been instructed to increase
security in public places and event venues, Castaner said.