Overview

• Witnesses described hearing three blasts before thick smoke rose from a public works van opposite the Hotel de Matignon.
• Firefighters said the blaze did not spread beyond the vehicle, and images showed crews working steps from the prime minister’s residence.
• Police cordoned off the street and kept people away as emergency services responded.
• Officials have not indicated any motive or connection to politics, and the prime minister was reported to be in no danger.
• The incident came a day after Sébastien Lecornu resigned as prime minister, with local reports saying he had been due to hold meetings at Matignon on Tuesday.