French police arrest suspected church arsonist
Photo AFP, Lionel Bonaventure
Western Europe
French authorities arrested a man suspected of trying to set a church on fire. In recent days, three other Paris churches suffered arson attempts as well.
A 47-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday afternoon. He is suspected of having set fire to the front door of the Saint-Laurent church in the 10th arrondissement, writes Le Figaro. The man claims to be of Ukrainian nationality.
In recent weeks, several churches have come under arson attacks. In recent weeks, several churches have come under arson attacks. The third fire was noticed by authorities, writes Le Figaro. They saw a sheet and pallets piled up in front of the church doors. Officials had to use fire extinguishers to slow the flames while waiting for the arrival of firefighters, who extinguished them completely.
The man is currently only suspected of having set fire to the front door of the church of Saint Laurent, reports Le Parisien. The police are still looking for the person who tried to set on fire three other churches. "These facts are very worrying", said Emmanuel Grégoire, the first deputy of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. "The repetition in a short time of these malicious acts is worrying."
According to Grégoire, the Paris authorities are increasing their surveillance near places of worship.
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