Explosion in Russian consulate in Athens, none injured

A grenade was thrown early Friday into the courtyard of the Russian consulate in Athens, police said, an attack typical of domestic far-left groups. The area in the Athens suburb of Halandri was rapidly cordoned off and bomb specialists were dispatched, a police source said.

The grenade did not explode and no injuries were caused. The attack occurred at around 0730 IST. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. It is believed that the grenade was lobbed by one or two persons on a motorbike. Police was inspecting for possible links to a burnt motorbike found later in central Athens.

The consulate was closed at the time. The move is typical of domestic far-left outfits. In December, a grenade exploded outside Skai, one of Greece's main media groups, causing damage to the building.

(With inputs from agencies.)