In a shocking incident on Saturday morning, two cars were set ablaze outside the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte, Hérault, leading to an explosion that injured a municipal police officer.

The explosion was reportedly caused by a gas bottle inside one of the vehicles.

Surveillance footage captured a suspect fleeing the scene, carrying a Palestinian flag and possibly armed with a 9mm handgun.

The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into attempted terrorist assassinations and related charges.

Five individuals, including the synagogue's rabbi, were inside the building at the time but were unharmed.

The French government has responded by increasing security measures around Jewish places of worship, amid a noted rise in antisemitic acts this year.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal are expected to visit the site to oversee the ongoing investigation.