Paris police say several people have been injured in an explosion and fire at a bakery suspected to be caused by a gas leak.
A Paris police spokeswoman said firefighters were at the scene of the explosion on Saturday morning at the bakery on Rue Trevise in the 9th arrondissement of north-central Paris.
Read: Powerful blast shakes street in centre of Paris
She said several injuries have been reported to police but no deaths. Not authorised to be publicly named, she provided no further details.
French television showed emergency vehicles surrounding the area. Images shared on social media showed the area around Rue De Montyon covered in debris with a fire raging in at least one building.
The explosion took place amid heavy security in Paris and around France in the wake of yellow vest protests expected later on Saturday.
Read: Double-decker bus crash in Ottawa kills 3, injures at least 20
Just heard a huge explosion and shattering glass in paris #acteIX #GiletsJaunes
— Emily Molli (@MomesMolli) January 12, 2019
A large explosion has damaged buildings in Paris, reports of casualties. Source of the explosion is unclear#Paris #Francepic.twitter.com/OjNzjDJzdV
— Danny smith (@doglab) January 12, 2019
Source: aljazeera.com