Sarcelles: weapons of war found near synagogue, counter-terrorism launches investigation
A stolen vehicle containing an assault rifle and a pistol was discovered near a Jewish place of worship in Val-d'Oise, leading to the evacuation of 300 people.
Sarcelles: weapons of war found near synagogue, counter-terrorism launches investigation
On Saturday 11 July in the late afternoon, approximately 300 people using leisure facilities in Sarcelles (Val-d'Oise) were ordered to leave the premises by security forces. The alert was raised following the detection of a suspicious vehicle parked in an alleyway adjacent to a synagogue, according to franceinfo.
Bomb disposal technicians inspected the vehicle, which had registration plates partially torn off and had been the subject of a theft. Fortunately, no explosive device was detected. However, the search revealed an assault rifle of the Kalashnikov type accompanied by several magazines, as well as a Beretta.
Witnesses reported having seen the bomb disposal teams without immediately understanding the reason for the evacuation. Members of the local Jewish community, accustomed to a context of elevated terrorist threat, welcomed the swift response of the authorities whilst expressing their deep concern.
The National Counter-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office has taken charge of the investigation to determine who placed these weapons at this strategic location and for what purpose.
Source: France Info