Several more police are being deployed to places of worship across France after a “terrorist act” at a synagogue on Saturday.
Two cars were set ablaze at the Beth Yaacov synagogue in the seaside resort town of La Grande Motte near Montpellier – with a police officer injured in the incident.
There are no reports of other injuries at this time, according to the Press Association, and French anti-terror police are searching for those responsible.
Local media reports claim one of the cars allegedly contained a propane gas tank.
French President Emmanuel Macron said: “Thoughts for the faithful of the synagogue of La Grande-Motte and all the Jews of our country. Everything is done to find the author of this terrorist act and protect places of worship.
“The fight against anti-Semitism is a constant battle, that of the united nation.”
Gerald Darmanin, France’s Interior Minister said: “An attempted arson attack, clearly criminal, hit the synagogue of La Grande Motte this morning.
“I want to assure our Jewish fellow citizens and the municipality of my full support and say that at the request of the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, all means are being mobilized to find the perpetrator.”
Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, said there was rising anti-Semitism in France.
She said: “The Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte was targeted this morning by criminal attacks.
“These unacceptable and unspeakable attacks are the consequence of the rise of anti-Semitism that is spreading in our country.
“Everything must be done to protect our compatriots of Jewish faith, who are targeted every day in France. I extend to them all my support and solidarity.”
