Bomb damages cars in central Rome

A bomb blast early today in central Rome damaged parked cars and shattered windows near the Interior Ministry. No one was injured.

Investigators believe the bomb was planted on a moped next to the ministry, the headquarters of Italy’s national police and security services, the Interior Ministry said.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the bombing, which occurred around 4.30 am (3.30am Irish time).

The ministry building was not damaged, but the blast shattered windows of nearby shops and houses. Rubbish bins, mopeds and cars parked on the street were also damaged, Interior Ministry officials said.

The area was cordoned off as firefighters worked to remove the shattered glass.

Colonel Gianfranco Cavallo of the Carabinieri paramilitary police said the bomb appeared to be an ‘‘act of show’’ rather than an attack planned to make victims.

Interior Minister Claudio Scajola called the attack ‘‘a very serious act carried out against the symbol of the state’s security.’’