Armed police storm Palace of Versailles in ‘security operation’ as authorities say ‘avoid area’ & tourists evacuated
ARMED police have stormed the Palace of Versailles in a security operation.
Authorities have urged people to avoid the area and the building has been evacuated.
Pictures showed armoured cops with dogs from France’s elite police commandos unit GIGN gathered outside the historic palace.
Versailles welcomes some 15 million visitors annually and is one of the top attractions in France.
French newspaper Le Figaro reports the police swooped after reports of a “man with a knife”.
One witness said: “We were waiting to be allowed to enter the Palace of Versailles and now it is evacuated.
“The [police] have just entered it.”
In a statement, officials from the Prefecture of Yvelines said: “An intervention is underway at the Château de Versailles.
“Security forces are on site.
“Avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities.”
But new information from Le Figaro indicates that the situation is not linked to terrorism and potentially was an unconfirmed dispute between street sellers.
One was reportedly seen leaving the scene with a knife.
Another report says the Palace has been closed.
The incident comes amid a time of heightened tensions in France – with President Emmanuel Macron deploying some 30,000 extra cops to the streets amid fears of violence.
France heads to the polls for the second round of voting at the weekend, with the far-right National Rally expected to make big gains.
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