Armed intruder breaks into French Health Ministry

A man armed with a knife broke into the French Ministry of Health headquarters in Paris, searched dozens of offices and stole computer equipment before being arrested by police.

Ministry security staff were alerted at around 06:00 local time to an intruder carrying a meat cleaver who was wandering through the building in the city's 7th arrondissement, French media reports.

According to the preliminary investigation, the suspect entered the ministry through an emergency exit that is normally kept locked. He then made his way to the second floor, where he spent several dozen minutes searching around 40 offices before leaving the building with computer equipment.

When confronted by security personnel, the man allegedly threatened them with a knife before fleeing the scene.

Police officers on patrol later spotted the suspect throwing two bags onto the street and arrested him shortly afterwards.

Authorities said the bags contained several work computers, mobile phones and tools believed to have been used to gain unlawful entry into the building.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli