The Russian Consulate in Marseille was rocked by an explosion on Monday on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

       An incendiary device exploded outside the French city on Monday. No injuries were reported.

       A second device that was thrown but did not explode, and a bomb disposal expert was called to the scene.

       The suspect fled and an investigation has been launched, an official said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to be publicly named by national police policy.

       Authorities did not provide details on the suspect or a motive.

       Marseille, France’s second-largest city and a major Mediterranean port, is home to a diverse population but does not have a notably large Russian community.

       France has seen multiple protests against Russia’s war in Ukraine since 2022, including demonstrations in Marseille, Paris, and other cities.

       Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the incident in Marseille has “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack”.

       A police spokesman said two explosive devices had been thrown, with one detonating and the other destroyed in a controlled explosion.

       They added: "The notion of a Molotov cocktail does not seem to be the right one at this stage."

       There were no injuries, police confirmed.