One of Ukraine's richest men among three seriously hurt in 'terrorist attack' in heart of Monaco
Multiple people, including one of Ukraine's richest men, have been hurt in an explosion in luxury hotspot Monaco, police have said.
Three people are believed to be injured after the blast - with CCTV showing a man dropping a backpack at the entrance of a residential building shortly before 9pm local time on Monday night.
Local outlet BFM TV described the explosive device as a "parcel bomb", while police in Monaco are still hunting for the suspect.
It later emerged that the device detonated at a foyer to a luxe apartment block called the Sun's Palace - as well as that a Ukrainian oligarch had been injured.
Vadim Ermolaev has been named across local media as one of the victims of the blast.
One of the other victims was his partner, a source close to the investigation told local media.
Two adults, including Mr Ermolaev, are said to be in critical condition, with the third victim identified as a 13-year-old who sustained less serious injuries.
CCTV images of the alleged bomber show a man wearing a black jacket and hat, and light pants.
Silvano Ippolito, who lives near the explosion, said he believed it to be a gas leak.
He claimed to have seen a woman and boy bloodied as he evacuated his building.
Marine Cotta, a woman who lives near the site of the explosion said she believed the explosion was a "fireworks display", only learning it was an attack on social media.
Mr Ermolaev is one of the embattled nation's richest men, and fled home after the start of the latest flare-up in fighting with Russia.
The Minister of the State of Monaco, Christophe Mirmand, said early signs indicated it was "likely an attack".
Mr Mirmand added: "This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has occurred in the Principality."
Mr Ermolaev made his fortunes as a real estate developer in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
The businessman established the Alef Group, which handles his property portfolio and manufactures products ranging from apples to dental implants.
Police sources said authorities have now activated the Monaco Red Plan.
The Red Plan is described as an action plan for Monegasque authorities where there are multiple people attacked.
Emergency services from over the border in France are responding to the incident.
This includes five fire engines and 14 firefighters from the Alpes-Maritimes fire and rescue department.
The Mayor of Nice, Eric Ciotti, said on social media: "The attack committed this evening is a tragedy for Monaco."
Mr Ermolaev is one of nearly 100 wealthy Ukrainians who left their home country for the picturesque tax haven as the war with Russia broke out.
He became a citizen of Cyprus in 2017, telling Forbes he needed "international protection" the Ukrainian judicial system did not provide.
"I really like our Ukraine. And during the war, I spend as much time as allowed by law. After the war, I intend to develop my business in Ukraine," he added.