Police examine an explosion exterior the U.S. Embassy in Oslo : NPR

OSLO — Police in Norway have been investigating an explosion early Sunday exterior the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, the capital of the Scandinavian nation, officers mentioned.

No accidents have been reported. Police obtained reviews of a “loud bang” or explosion round 1 a.m., Oslo police mentioned in a information launch.

The explosion was attributable to some type of incendiary gadget, in accordance with Frode Larsen, chief of the Oslo police joint unit for investigation and intelligence. Investigators imagine the embassy was the goal and are trying to find the perpetrators and their motive.

Larsen mentioned that the embassy’s entrance had harm, however no arrests have been made.

“We’re early within the investigation, however we’re working primarily based on a number of hypotheses,” Larsen mentioned in an announcement. “Given the present safety scenario, it’s pure to think about whether or not this was a focused assault on the American Embassy. Nevertheless, we now have not dedicated to any single speculation.”

Native media reported that folks close by mentioned that the road was blanketed in thick smoke following the blast. Police are in search of to speak to witnesses.

PST, the Norwegian police safety service, known as in extra personnel following the incident, however hasn’t modified the nation’s terror risk degree, in accordance with communication adviser Martin Bernsen.

“That is an unacceptable incident that’s being handled with the utmost seriousness,” mentioned Astri Aas-Hansen, Norway’s minister of justice and public safety.

“The police have said that they’re investigating the case with vital assets, and that nothing signifies the scenario poses any hazard to the general public.”

The U.S. Embassy in Oslo referred media queries to the U.S. State Division, which did not instantly return a request for remark. Nor did Oslo police. Different particulars weren’t accessible.