Palace of Versailles evacuated with safety operation underway
The Palace of Versailles has been evacuated and a security operation is underway as officials warned visitors to clear the area.
‘An intervention is underway 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.’
Witnesses outside said they had been queuing to get into the building when it was evacuated, and that they saw the security forces entering. Pictures from outside appeared to show officers from France‘s GIGN elite police tactical unit.
The Palace, located about 12 miles west of Paris, is a former royal residence steeped in history which welcomes around 15 million visitors every year.
It was commissioned by King Louis XIV in the 1600s and is where the treaty of Versailles was signed in June 1919 – formally bringing an end to the First World War.
The incident comes in the run up to the second round of French parliamentary elections – set for Sunday, July 7 – and this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow…
The Palace of Versailles has been evacuated and a security operation is underway (file photo)
