LAST UPDATE: 14:35
An alarm has been sounded at the Greek Police as a suspicious incendiary device was found outside the entrance of Petraki Monastery.
According to the initial information received, the suspicious mechanism was located at about one o’clock in the afternoon by an abbot. There were three suitcases and a 17 kg gas bottle while connecting hoses were also found.
Strong police forces as well as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit rushed to the scene and is being investigated whether this is a real incendiary device and a possible failed attempt.
It is reminded that 4 years ago the Petraki Monastery had been the target of an attack with Molotov cocktails.
It is unknown at this time whether it is an improvised explosive device or just a plain incendiary device.
The Antiterrorist Squad who rushed to the location and collected the findings is now called to investigate whether it was some kind of message to the Church or the materials were found before the device was assembled.
Despite the fact that the synodal services are closed and the Petraki Monastery is not open to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic, a few meters from the point where the suspicious incendiary device was found, there are the cells of the monks who live, thus its explosion could have caused great damage.
The investigation of the incident will begin from the videos of the security cameras of the Petraki monastery complex, in which the Synodal Palace of the Church of Greece is located.
Source: thetoc.gr