Paris police deployed over threat to Iran consulate

French police and members of French special police forces of Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) secure the area near Iran consulate where a man is threatening to blow himself up
Police and members of France's elite BRI intervention brigade were pictured surrounding the area [Reuters]

Armed police have been deployed in the centre of Paris following reports of a threat to the Iranian consulate.

French media said a witness had seen a suspicious man entering the consulate in the Rue Fresnel not far from the Eiffel Tower.

Sources told French TV that the man appeared to be carrying a grenade or explosive vest.

He was arrested by police shortly after 14:45 (12:45 GMT), BFMTV reported, some time after the incident began.

Pictures from the scene showed police from France's elite BRI intervention brigade surrounding the area.

Neighbouring streets in the city's 16th district in the centre were cordoned off.

While the nature of the threat was not clear, the Paris prefect ordered BRI police to rush to the scene.

The area around the consulate, which is close to Trocadero and the River Seine, is popular with tourists and the Paris metro was suspended in the nearby area, transport officials said.

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