Huge blast in Monaco 'injures three Ukrainians' as police hunt suspected bomber after 'terror attack'

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The three victims have been reported to be Ukrainian after the incident on Rue du Révérend Père Louis Frolla which took place at around 9pm local time.

The trio, reported to be two adults and a child from the same family, were taken to a hospital in nearby Nice and two are said to be critically injured.

Monaco’s Minister of State Christophe Mirmand told AFP that the explosion is “likely a terrorist attack” - adding that the device which caused the explosion "likely contained pellets and bolts".

A suspect is reportedly on the run after being seen dumping a backpack outside a building on CCTV.

Mr Mirmand added that bomb disposal experts and judicial police officers are at the scene.

He went on: “This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has occurred in the Principality."

It has been confirmed that law enforcement has now mobilised on both the Monegasque and French sides of the border.

"At this stage, the Monegasque authorities declined to confirm his identity, although it had been corroborated by several reliable sources," they added.

Access points between France and Monaco have been blocked by law enforcement as they seek to track down a suspect.

The suspect is reportedly at large and being sought by law enforcement on Monday evening, resulting in several access points to Monaco being blocked.

The three victims in critical condition are reportedly from the same family and of Ukrainian nationality.

They are believed to be a man and a woman, aged between 50 and 60, and a teenager.

The first two were taken to Pasteur Hospital in Nice, and the teenager to Lenval Hospital.

After the blast, Prince Albert of Monaco said: "The criminal explosion that occurred tonight in Monaco is a shock for the entire Monegasque community."

The royal couple expressed their "compassion and unwavering support" to the community.

The statement continued: "We also want to salute the remarkable work of the public safety forces, who manage the situation with rigour and serenity, and have allowed rapid support of victims and securing the premises.

"Under the authority of the Government, all the State services concerned are currently mobilised, in close cooperation with the French authorities. We trust them to elucidate the circumstances of this tragedy as soon as possible, identify those responsible and provide him with all the necessary answers, at all levels.

"More than ever, the Principality of Monaco will remain united and determined in the face of the violence and crime. The security of our community has always been a priority; it will remain more than ever, whatever the threats."

A statement from the Monagesque government confirmed that "a violent explosion caused by a bomb was heard in the Principality, not far from Place des Moulins" at around 9pm local time.

It confirmed: "The area was quickly cordoned off by law enforcement. Three people were injured: two adults and a child, who were taken to hospitals in Nice.

"Two people were treated for shock, and two others with minor injuries went to Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG) on their own.

"A suspect was spotted by CCTV fleeing towards the town of Beausoleil in France.

"Access to the Principality was immediately secured. The Attorney General was notified, and a judicial investigation was opened. Forensic evidence was collected late into the evening.

"Fifty firefighters were mobilszed (40 Monegasque and 10 French) with 12 vehicles, and 84 police officers were deployed."

"The six unoccupied apartments in the targeted building were secured.

"This Tuesday, the Attorney General is expected to release the initial findings of the investigation and announce the charges."

The blast took place at a residential building, and a "red plan" has reportedly been initiated in Monaco as a result of the attack.

A red plan refers to a "pre-established action strategy for a sudden event resulting in, or likely to result in, numerous casualties" the Principality of Monaco's website states.

It "allows for a gradual increase in resources depending on the number of victims".