Bomb attack foiled outside Bank of America building in Paris

French police have foiled a bomb attack outside the building of the US multinational investment bank and financial institution Bank of America in Paris and detained one person, authorities said.

The incident occurred early this morning, when officers spotted two suspects carrying a shopping bag near a building in the capital's 8th arrondissement, RTL radio reported, citing police sources.

According to RTL, one of the suspects, who was holding a lighter in his hand, was trying to activate the device.

The second suspect managed to escape.

The Paris police prefecture declined to comment on the case, Sky News reports.

The National Counter-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into suspected terrorism-related crimes.

Among the suspected acts are attempting to cause damage by arson or other dangerous means, making an incendiary or explosive device, possessing and transferring such devices with the intent to prepare a dangerous attack, as well as participating in a terrorist criminal association.

One person is being held in police custody.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez praised the officers, posting on social media: "Kudos to the rapid intervention of the Paris Police Prefecture unit, which prevented a violent act of a terrorist nature in Paris during the night. Vigilance remains at a very high level. I pay tribute to all the security and intelligence forces, which are fully engaged under my authority in the current international context."

Since the start of the war with Iran, French authorities have stepped up protection for Iranian opposition figures and increased security around locations that could be targeted, including those linked to American interests and the Jewish community, Nunez said earlier.