A SUSPECTED terror attack in Paris was dramatically foiled at the last minute after a man allegedly tried to detonate a homemade bomb outside a Bank of America branch.
The chilling incident unfolded in the early hours of this morning on Rue de la Boétie, one of the French capital’s busiest streets.
A major anti-terror probe is now under way after prosecutors swooped in to take control of the case.
French police swooped around 3.25am after the suspect was spotted attempting to set off an improvised explosive device outside the bank’s HQ building.
He was arrested seconds before disaster – allegedly trying to ignite the bomb with a lighter.
Police were already on-site carrying out a security operation amid fears the building was under threat.
The crude device was a five-litre container filled with a deadly mix of unknown liquid, rigged with around 650g of explosive powder.
Bomb experts later seized it for analysis, with officials saying the suspect was not alone.
A second man, dressed in dark clothing, fled the scene and is now being hunted by police.
During questioning, the arrested man claimed he had been dropped off outside the Bank of America building and recruited via Snapchat.
He told officers he had been offered around £520 to carry out the attack.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised the rapid police response, saying: “Well done to the rapid intervention of a police prefecture crew which made it possible to thwart a violent terrorist action last night in Paris.”
He confirmed France’s anti-terror prosecutor has now taken over the investigation.
“The investigation is continuing, under the authority of the PNAT (National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office) and has been entrusted to the Directorate of the Judicial Police of the Police Prefecture and to the DGSI,” he said.
Sources say the bank had been under “serious threat” and was being actively monitored at the time.
Prosecutors have launched a probe into attempted destruction using explosives in connection with a terrorist enterprise, as well as terror conspiracy offences.
Security fears are already high across Europe.
Officials say the threat level in the EU is “high”, with tensions rising following international conflicts and a string of recent attacks.
In recent weeks, violent incidents have hit cities across the continent – including explosions near a synagogue in Liège, arson at a synagogue in Rotterdam, and a suspected attack targeting Jewish community ambulances in London.
French authorities have ramped up protection at sensitive sites, particularly those linked to American and Jewish interests.
President Emmanuel Macron has also ordered stronger military patrols under Operation Sentinelle.
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