Troops storm Palace of Versailles and tourists evacuated after security incident
Armed forces swarmed the Palace of Versailles in France and rapidly evacuated tourists following a ‘security incident’.
France’s GIGN elite police unit were seen storming the major tourist attraction near Paris and visitors have been evacuated this afternoon.
People have been told to avoid the area and an official announcement said an ‘intervention is under way at the Château de Versailles’.
The announcement said: ‘Security forces are on site. Avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities. Do not relay false information.’
Another statement shared by the palace confirmed the attraction is now closed and added: ‘A reconnaissance for verification is underway by the security forces on the site.’
One person was reportedly spotted fleeing the scene with a knife following a ‘dispute’ between two street vendors, according to French media outlet Le Figaro, but these reports have not yet been confirmed.
Footage from the area shows security workers ushering people away, while armed GIGN troops can be seen patrolling behind.
Eyewitnesses said they had been queuing to get in when security forces descended on the building.
Fedde Benedictus said on X: ‘What’s happening here? We were waiting to be allowed inside the chateau Versailles and now it’s being evacuated… and the military just went in.’
Hundreds of tourists were reportedly stuck outside waiting to see what was happening, according to local media reports.
French-based journalist Hugo Palacin said: ‘The Palace of Versailles is blocked, the GIGN has just arrived while hundreds of tourists are waiting outside. No information on the reason for this intervention.’
The Palace of Versailles is an historic former royal residence around 12 miles outside the capital.
It was once home to King Louis XVI before his decapitation in the French Revolution in 1793.
A huge fire broke out inside the palace last month, which sparked wild conspiracy theories.
It comes just days before the second round of French parliamentary elections on Sunday, July 7 and three weeks before the Olympic Games are held in Paris.
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