Call 0330 880 3600 Calls may be monitored or recorded. Opening Times.

News Header

Policeman Wounded in Grenade Attack

A policeman has been wounded in a grenade attack outside the French embassy, in Athens early this morning.

Greek officers are currently searching for two suspects who were travelling on the back of a motorbike, at the time of the attack, after it is believed that they threw the hand grenade towards the embassy.

It is currently unclear as to who the culprits are, as no group has yet stepped forward to take responsibility for the attack.

The area of the attack was cordoned off to both pedestrians and vehicles, while terror experts investigated the scene.

The policeman injured, who was said to be on guard in a guard post outside the embassy at the time, suffered minor injuries to his leg.

The French Embassy also suffered minor external damage.

Police are currently in the process of tracking down the unidentified attackers.

A motorbike, which was found in a nearby neighbourhood, is currently under investigation, after matching the one described being used by the attackers.

An update was issued on the British FCDO website, providing travellers with advice: “A grenade was thrown by two individuals on a passing motorbike outside the French Embassy in central Athens on 10 November 2016. A policeman received minor injuries. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

“There is a general threat from terrorism and acts of political violence. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. High profile British interests in Greece should be vigilant and regularly review their security measures.”

The website also states that demonstrations and political unrest occur regularly in Athens.

Speaking on behalf of the Greek government, Dimitris Tzanakopoulos, said: “The relations of friendship and solidarity between Greece and France can’t be affected in the slightest by such terrorist attacks.”