The explosion at a French synagogue is being investigated as suspected terrorism

An explosion outside a synagogue in southern France is being investigated by authorities as an “attempt to kill terrorists”.

Police said the explosion was caused by two cars set on fire outside the Beth Yaacov synagogue in the town of La Grande-Motte. One of the cars had a hidden gas engine.

Police sources told French media that the man caught on CCTV burning cars was carrying a Palestinian flag and a small gun.

Jewish community leader Jonathan Arfi said the incident was “an attempt to kill the Jews,” adding that the attack appeared to have been aimed at believers on Saturday morning.

One police officer was injured in the blast, which is believed to have occurred between 08:00 and 08:30 local time (07:00-07:30 BST). His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Five people, including the rabbi, were inside the synagogue at the time, authorities said.

A January 2024 report by the Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) said there was a three-fold increase in antisemitic acts in France between 2022 and 2023.

President Emmanuel Macron said: “Everything is being done to find the originator of this terrorist act.”

In a letter to X, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin wrote: “I want to assure our Jewish citizens and the municipality that you will fully support me,” adding that security will be strengthened in Jewish areas.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal called the incident an “anti-Semitic act,” adding that security forces are currently searching for the suspect.

Mr Darmanin and Mr Attal are expected to go to the scene later on Saturday.

France’s Jewish community already lives under high security, with many synagogues and Jewish schools under police protection.

The explosion comes amid growing concern among Europe’s Jewish community, after a recent study by the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) published last month found that. Jewish people in this bloc continue to face high levels of antisemitism.

More than 8,000 Jews were interviewed in 13 EU countries, including Germany and France. 96% said they experienced discrimination every day.

There was widespread criticism of the attempted arson attack across France’s political spectrum. Left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon called it “an intolerable crime”, while Jordan Bardella of the right-wing National Rally said it was “a criminal and anti-member act”.