French synagogue targeted by arson attempt

PARIS, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) — A synagogue in the southern 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 mobilized around 8:30 a.m. local time (0730GMT) on Saturday due to a fire breaking out in front of the synagogue.
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. ■