Blast at Turkish embassy in Dutch capital

An explosion and fire damaged the Turkish embassy in the Dutch capital The Hague today.

An embassy spokesman said there were not believed to be any injuries.

“That’s right there was an explosion,” said Mieke Swaving, the Turkish Ambassador’s secretary. “I don’t think there are any injuries.”

The cause of the explosion was unknown. Dutch television reported that a person was seen jumping from a window of the embassy building on to a car.

Adjacent buildings were evacuated and surrounding streets were cordoned off. Dutch bomb disposal and anti-terrorism teams at work at the scene.

Netherlands TV reported that the Turkish ambassador said a Dutch-speaking man laid a bomb near a side door of the embassy and ran away.

Dutch intelligence agencies have said that the country is at danger of a terrorist attack.

Last month, Dutch police detained five suspects for allegedly plotting a bombing. They have all since been released for lack of evidence.