The Palace of Versailles has been evacuated and a security operation is underway amid reports that a dispute between two street vendors escalated when one pulled a blade.
Officials warned visitors to clear the area, declaring: ‘An intervention is underway at the Château de Versailles.
‘Security forces are on site. Avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities. Do not relay false information.’
Sources told French outlet Le Figaro that a vendor was seen fleeing the grounds clutching a knife, but the information is yet to be verified.
Witnesses outside said they had been queuing to get into the building when it was evacuated, and that they saw the security forces entering.
France’s GIGN elite police tactical unit was dispatched to the scene, but there is no information as yet to suggest the incident is terror related.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow…
The Palace of Versailles has been evacuated and a security operation is underway (file photo)
🔴Une intervention est en cours au Château de Versailles. Les forces de sécurité sont sur place. Évitez le secteur et suivez les consignes des autorités.
Ne relayez pas de fausses informations. pic.twitter.com/M06T36oIQr— Préfet des Yvelines 🇫🇷 (@Prefet78) July 4, 2024
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.
